Connector and methods of use for charging an electric vehicle

ABSTRACT

In an aspect a connector for charging an electric vehicle. A connector includes a coupling mechanism. A coupling mechanism is configured to mate with an electric vehicle port of an electric vehicle. A coupling mechanism includes a fastener for removable attachment with an electric vehicle port. A connector includes at least a direct current conductor. At least a direct current conductor is configured to supply a direct current to an electric vehicle. A connector includes a power supply circuit. A power supply circuit is configured to regulate a direct current supplied to an electric vehicle as a function of a power threshold.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of electricvehicles. In particular, the present invention is directed to aconnector and methods of use for charging an electric vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Electric vehicles hold great promise in their ability to run usingsustainably source energy, without increase atmospheric carbonassociated with burning of fossil fuels. Perennial downsides associatedwith electric vehicles, include poor energy storage and therefore rangeof operation, as well as long times to recharge on board batteries.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In an aspect a connector for charging an electric vehicle. A connectorincludes a coupling mechanism. A coupling mechanism is configured tomate with an electric vehicle port of an electric vehicle. A couplingmechanism includes a fastener for removable attachment with an electricvehicle port. A connector includes at least a direct current conductor.At least a direct current conductor is configured to supply a directcurrent to an electric vehicle. A connector includes a power supplycircuit. A power supply circuit is configured to regulate a directcurrent supplied to an electric vehicle as a function of a powerthreshold.

In another aspect a method of charging an electric vehicle. A methodincludes providing a connector. A connector includes a couplingmechanism. A coupling mechanism is configured to mate with an electricvehicle port of an electric vehicle. A coupling mechanism includes afastener for removable attachment with an electric vehicle port. Aconnector includes at least a direct current conductor. At least adirect current conductor is configured to supply a direct current to anelectric vehicle. A connector includes a power supply circuit. A powersupply circuit is configured to regulate a direct current supplied to anelectric vehicle as a function of a power threshold. A method includesconnecting an electric vehicle to a connector via a coupling mechanism.A method includes communicating to an electric vehicle via a connector aplurality of charging data. A method includes charging an electricvehicle via a connector. A method includes monitoring a charging of anelectric vehicle via the connector.

These and other aspects and features of non-limiting embodiments of thepresent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art uponreview of the following description of specific non-limiting embodimentsof the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show aspectsof one or more embodiments of the invention. However, it should beunderstood that the present invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary system for chargingan electric vehicle;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary schematic of an exemplary connector forcharging an electric vehicle;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary schematic of anexemplary connector for charging an electric vehicle;

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an exemplary battery module;

FIG. 5 is perspective drawings illustrating a battery pack, according toembodiments;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a battery unit, according toembodiments;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary sensor suite;

FIG. 8 is a schematic of an exemplary electric aircraft;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram depicting an exemplary flight controller;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an exemplary machine-learning process;

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of use for aconnector; and

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a computing system that can be used toimplement any one or more of the methodologies disclosed herein and anyone or more portions thereof.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated byphantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. Incertain instances, details that are not necessary for an understandingof the embodiments or that render other details difficult to perceivemay have been omitted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

At a high level, aspects of the present disclosure include a connectorfor charging an electric vehicle. In some embodiments, an electricvehicle may include an electric aircraft. In some embodiments, aconnector may include a coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, acoupling mechanism may include a locking function. A coupling mechanismmay be configured to mate with an electric vehicle port of an electricvehicle. A coupling mechanism may include a fastener for removableattachment with an electric vehicle port. A connector may include atleast a direct current conductor. At least a direct current conductormay be configured to supply a direct current to an electric vehicle. Insome embodiments, a connector may include an alternating currentconductor. In some embodiments, a connector may include a groundconductor. A connector may include a power supply circuit. A powersupply circuit may be configured to regulate a direct current suppliedto an electric vehicle as a function of a power threshold. In someembodiments, a connector may include a communication controller. Acommunication controller may be coupled to a power supply circuit. Aconnector may be configured to charge an electric vehicle as a functionof a communication controller. A communication controller may beconfigured to terminate a direct current supply to an electric vehicleas a function of a failed charge event. A failed charge event mayinclude a power overload of a power supply circuit. In some embodiments,a communication controller may be configured to terminate acommunication with an electric vehicle as a function of a failed chargeevent. In some embodiments, a power supply circuit may be configured toreceive a power threshold from an electric vehicle.

At a high level, aspects of the present disclosure include a method ofcharging an electric vehicle. An electric vehicle may include anelectric aircraft. A method may include providing a connector. Aconnector may include a coupling mechanism. A coupling mechanism mayinclude a locking function. A coupling mechanism may be configured tomate with an electric vehicle port of an electric vehicle. A couplingmechanism may include a fastener for removable attachment with anelectric vehicle port. A connector may include at least a direct currentconductor. At least a direct current conductor may be configured tosupply a direct current to an electric vehicle. A connector may includean alternating current conductor. A connector may include a groundconductor. A connector may include a power supply circuit. A powersupply circuit may be configured to regulate a direct current suppliedto an electric vehicle. A power supply circuit may be configured toregulate a direct current supplied to an electric vehicle as a functionof a power threshold. In some embodiments, a power supply circuit may beconfigured to receive a power threshold from an electric vehicle. Insome embodiments, a connector may include a communication controller. Acommunication controller may be configured to be coupled to a powersupply circuit. In some embodiments, a connector may be configured tocharge an electric vehicle as a function of a communication controller.In some embodiments, a communication controller may be configured toterminate a direct current supply to an electric vehicle as a functionof a failed charge event. A failed charge event may include a poweroverload of a power supply circuit. In some embodiments, a communicationcontroller may be configured to terminate a communication with anelectric vehicle as a function of a failed charge event. A method mayinclude connecting an electric vehicle to a connector via a couplingmechanism. A method may include communicating to an electric vehicle viaa connector a plurality of charging data. A method may include chargingan electric vehicle via a connector. A method may include monitoring acharging of an electric vehicle via the connector.

Aspects of the present disclosure can be used to connect withcommunication, control, and/or sensor signals associated with anelectric vehicle during recharging, thereby allowing for monitoring ofthe recharge and feedback control of various recharging systems, forexample power sources. Aspects of the present disclosure can also beused to verify functionality of electric vehicle recharging systems.This is so, at least in part, because certain electric vehicles, such aselectric aircraft require highest assurance of technical processesassociated with their maintenance. Therefore, in some cases, aspectsrelate to systems for verifying performance of cooling and/or chargingprocesses in between charges of electric vehicles.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , an exemplary system 100 for recharging anelectric vehicle is illustrated. System 100 may be used in support of anelectric aircraft. For instance, system 100 may be used to recharge anelectrical aircraft. In some cases, system 100 may be tethered toelectric vehicle during support. In some cases, system 100 may betethered to a physical location on ground, for example an electricalpower source. Alternatively, system 100 may not be tethered to aphysical location on the ground and may be substantially free to movewhen not tethered to an electric vehicle. System 100 may be configuredto charge and/or recharge an electric vehicle. As used in thisdisclosure, “charging” refers to a process of increasing energy storedwithin and energy source. In some cases, an energy source includes atleast a battery and charging includes providing an electrical current tothe at least a battery.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , system 100 may include a connector104. Connector 104 may include any computing device as described in thisdisclosure, including without limitation a microcontroller,microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP) and/or system on a chip(SoC) as described in this disclosure. A computing device may include,be included in, and/or communicate with a mobile device such as a mobiletelephone or smartphone. Connector 104 may include a single computingdevice operating independently, or may include two or more computingdevice operating in concert, in parallel, sequentially or the like; twoor more computing devices may be included together in a single computingdevice or in two or more computing devices. Connector 104 may interfaceor communicate with one or more additional devices as described below infurther detail via a network interface device. Network interface devicemay be utilized for connecting connector 104 to one or more of a varietyof networks, and one or more devices. Examples of a network interfacedevice include, but are not limited to, a network interface card (e.g.,a mobile network interface card, a LAN card), a modem, and anycombination thereof. Examples of a network include, but are not limitedto, a wide area network (e.g., the Internet, an enterprise network), alocal area network (e.g., a network associated with an office, abuilding, a campus or other relatively small geographic space), atelephone network, a data network associated with a telephone/voiceprovider (e.g., a mobile communications provider data and/or voicenetwork), a direct connection between two computing devices, and anycombinations thereof. A network may employ a wired and/or a wirelessmode of communication. In general, any network topology may be used.Information (e.g., data, software etc.) may be communicated to and/orfrom a computer and/or a computing device. Connector 104 may include butis not limited to, for example, a computing device or cluster ofcomputing devices in a first location and a second computing device orcluster of computing devices in a second location. Connector 104 mayinclude one or more computing devices dedicated to data storage,security, distribution of traffic for load balancing, and the like.Connector 104 may distribute one or more computing tasks as describedbelow across a plurality of computing devices of computing device, whichmay operate in parallel, in series, redundantly, or in any other mannerused for distribution of tasks or memory between computing devices.Connector 104 may be implemented using a “shared nothing” architecturein which data is cached at the worker, in an embodiment, this may enablescalability of system 100 and/or computing device.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , connector 104 may be designedand/or configured to perform any method, method step, or sequence ofmethod steps in any embodiment described in this disclosure, in anyorder and with any degree of repetition. For instance, connector 104 maybe configured to perform a single step or sequence repeatedly until adesired or commanded outcome is achieved; repetition of a step or asequence of steps may be performed iteratively and/or recursively usingoutputs of previous repetitions as inputs to subsequent repetitions,aggregating inputs and/or outputs of repetitions to produce an aggregateresult, reduction or decrement of one or more variables such as globalvariables, and/or division of a larger processing task into a set ofiteratively addressed smaller processing tasks. Connector 104 mayperform any step or sequence of steps as described in this disclosure inparallel, such as simultaneously and/or substantially simultaneouslyperforming a step two or more times using two or more parallel threads,processor cores, or the like; division of tasks between parallel threadsand/or processes may be performed according to any protocol suitable fordivision of tasks between iterations. Persons skilled in the art, uponreviewing the entirety of this disclosure, will be aware of various waysin which steps, sequences of steps, processing tasks, and/or data may besubdivided, shared, or otherwise dealt with using iteration, recursion,and/or parallel processing.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , system 100 may include a connector104. As used in this disclosure, a “connector” is a distal end of atether or a bundle of tethers, e.g., hose, tubing, cables, wires, andthe like, which is configured to removably attach with a matingcomponent, for example without limitation a port. As used in thisdisclosure, a “port” is an interface for example of an interfaceconfigured to receive another component or an interface configured totransmit and/or receive signal on a computing device. For example in thecase of an electric vehicle port, the port interfaces with a number ofconductors by way of receiving a connector. In the case of a computingdevice port, the port may provide an interface between a signal and acomputing device. A connector may include a male component having apenetrative form and port may include a female component having areceptive form, receptive to the male component. Alternatively oradditionally, connector may have a female component and port may have amale component. In some cases, connector may include multipleconnections, which may make contact and/or communicate with associatedmating components within port, when the connector is mated with theport.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , connector 104 may include acoupling mechanism 116. A “coupling mechanism” as used in thisdisclosure is any component configured to attach two or more objectstogether. Coupling mechanism 116 may be configured to mate with a port,for example electrical vehicle port 120. As used in this disclosure,“mate” is an action of attaching two or more components together. Asused in this disclosure, an “electric vehicle port” is a port located onan electric vehicle 124. As used in this disclosure, an “electricvehicle” is any electrically power means of human transport, for examplewithout limitation an electric aircraft or electric vertical take-offand landing aircraft. In some cases, an electric vehicle will include anenergy source configured to power at least a motor configured to movethe electric vehicle 124.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , coupling mechanism 116 may includea fastener. As used in this disclosure, a “fastener” is a physicalcomponent that is designed and/or configured to attach or fasten two (ormore) components together. Coupling mechanism 116 may include one ormore attachment components or systems, for example without limitationfasteners, threads, snaps, canted coil springs, and the like. In somecases, coupling mechanism 116 may be connected to port by way of one ormore press fasteners. As used in this disclosure, a “press fastener” isa fastener that couples a first surface to a second surface when the twosurfaces are pressed together. Some press fasteners include elements onthe first surface that interlock with elements on the second surface;such fasteners include without limitation hook-and-loop fasteners suchas VELCRO fasteners produced by Velcro Industries B.V. Limited LiabilityCompany of Curacao Netherlands, and fasteners held together by aplurality of flanged or “mushroom”-shaped elements, such as 3M DUAL LOCKfasteners manufactured by 3M Company of Saint Paul, Minn. Press-fastenermay also include adhesives, including reusable gel adhesives, GECKSKINadhesives developed by the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, ofAmherst, Mass., or other reusable adhesives. Where press-fastenerincludes an adhesive, the adhesive may be entirely located on the firstsurface of the press-fastener or on the second surface of thepress-fastener, allowing any surface that can adhere to the adhesive toserve as the corresponding surface. In some cases, coupling mechanism116 may be connected to electrical vehicle port 120 by way of magneticforce. For example, coupling mechanism 116 may include one or more of amagnetic, a ferro-magnetic material, and/or an electromagnet. Fastenermay be configured to provide removable attachment between couplingmechanism 116 and at least a port, for example electrical vehicle port112. As used in this disclosure, “removable attachment” is anattributive term that refers to an attribute of one or more relata to beattached to and subsequently detached from another relata; removableattachment is a relation that is contrary to permanent attachmentwherein two or more relata may be attached without any means for futuredetachment. Exemplary non-limiting methods of permanent attachmentinclude certain uses of adhesives, glues, nails, engineeringinterference (i.e., press) fits, and the like. In some cases, detachmentof two or more relata permanently attached may result in breakage of oneor more of the two or more relata.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , system 100 may include one or moreconductors 112 having a distal end approximately located withinconnector 104. As used in this disclosure, a “conductor” is a componentthat facilitates conduction. As used in this disclosure, “conduction” isa process by which one or more of heat and/or electricity is transmittedthrough a substance, for example when there is a difference of effort(i.e., temperature or electrical potential) between adjoining regions.In some cases, a conductor 112 may be configured to charge and/orrecharge an electric vehicle 124. For instance, conductor 112 may beconnected to a power supply circuit 108. In some embodiments, conductor112 may be designed and/or configured to facilitate a specified amountof electrical power, current, or current type. For example, conductor112 may include a direct current conductor. As used in this disclosure,a “direct current conductor” is a conductor configured to carry a directcurrent for recharging an energy source. As used in this disclosure,“direct current” is one-directional flow of electric charge. In somecases, a conductor 112 may include an alternating current conductor. Asused in this disclosure, an “alternating current conductor” is aconductor configured to carry an alternating current for recharging anenergy source. As used in this disclosure, an “alternating current” is aflow of electric charge that periodically reverse direction; in somecases, an alternating current may change its magnitude continuously within time (e.g., sine wave).

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , system 100 may include a powersupply circuit 108. Power supply circuit 108 may be configured toprovide an electrical charging current. As used in this disclosure, a“power supply circuit” is a plurality of electrical componentsconfigured to convert electric current from a power source to specificvoltage, current, and frequency usable by a load. In a non-limitingexample, power supply circuit 108 may be configured to output a voltage,current, and/or power frequency for charging a battery. In some cases,power supply circuit 108 may include power source. A power source mayinclude a charging battery (i.e., a battery used for charging otherbatteries. A charging battery is notably contrasted with an electricvehicle battery, which is located for example upon an electric aircraft.As used in this disclosure, an “electrical charging current” is a flowof electrical charge that facilitates an increase in stored electricalenergy of an energy storage, such as without limitation a battery. Acharging battery may include a plurality of batteries, battery modules,and/or battery cells. A charging battery may be configured to store arange of electrical energy, for example a range of between about 5 KWhand about 5,000 KWh. A power source of power supply circuit 108 mayinclude a variety of electrical components. In one embodiment, a powersource may contain a solar inverter. A solar inverter may be configuredto produce on-site power generation. In one embodiment, power generatedfrom a solar inverter may be stored in a charging battery. In someembodiments, a charging battery may include a used electric vehiclebattery no longer fit for service in a vehicle. A charging battery mayinclude any battery described in this disclosure.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , system 100 may include conductor112. In some embodiments, conductor 112 may be in electric communicationwith power supply circuit 108. As used in this disclosure, a “conductor”is a physical device and/or object that facilitates conduction, forexample electrical conduction and/or thermal conduction. In some cases,a conductor may be an electrical conductor, for example a wire and/orcable. Exemplary conductor materials include metals, such as withoutlimitation copper, nickel, steel, and the like. As used in thisdisclosure, “communication” is an attribute wherein two or more relatainteract with one another, for example within a specific domain or in acertain manner. In some cases communication between two or more relatamay be of a specific domain, such as without limitation electriccommunication, fluidic communication, informatic communication, mechaniccommunication, and the like. As used in this disclosure, “electriccommunication” is an attribute wherein two or more relata interact withone another by way of an electric current or electricity in general. Asused in this disclosure, “fluidic communication” is an attribute whereintwo or more relata interact with one another by way of a fluidic flow orfluid in general. As used in this disclosure, “informatic communication”is an attribute wherein two or more relata interact with one another byway of an information flow or information in general. As used in thisdisclosure, “mechanic communication” is an attribute wherein two or morerelata interact with one another by way of mechanical means, forinstance mechanic effort (e.g., force) and flow (e.g., velocity).

In some embodiments, and still referring to FIG. 1 , power supplycircuit 108 may have a continuous power rating of at least 350 kVA. Inother embodiments, power supply circuit 108 may have a continuous powerrating of over 350 kVA. In some embodiments, power supply circuit 108may have a battery charge range up to 950 Vdc. In other embodiments,power supply circuit 108 may have a battery charge range of over 950Vdc. In some embodiments, power supply circuit 108 may have a continuouscharge current of at least 350 amps. In other embodiments, power supplycircuit 108 may have a continuous charge current of over 350 amps. Insome embodiments, power supply circuit 108 may have a boost chargecurrent of at least 500 amps. In other embodiments, power supply circuit108 may have a boost charge current of over 500 amps. In someembodiments, power supply circuit 108 may include any component with thecapability of recharging an energy source of an electric vehicle. Insome embodiments, power supply circuit 108 may include a constantvoltage charger, a constant current charger, a taper current charger, apulsed current charger, a negative pulse charger, an IUI charger, atrickle charger, and a float charger.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, system 100 mayadditionally include an alternating current to direct current converterconfigured to convert an electrical charging current from an alternatingcurrent. As used in this disclosure, an “analog current to directcurrent converter” is an electrical component that is configured toconvert analog current to digital current. An analog current to directcurrent (AC-DC) converter may include an analog current to directcurrent power supply and/or transformer. In some cases, AC-DC convertermay be located within an electric vehicle and conductors may provide analternating current to the electric vehicle by way of conductor 112 andconnector 104. Alternatively and/or additionally, in some cases, AC-DCconverter may be located outside of electric vehicle and an electricalcharging current may be provided by way of a direct current to theelectric vehicle. In some cases, AC-DC converter may be used to rechargea charging battery. In some cases, AC-DC converter may be used toprovide electrical power to power supply circuit 108 and/or connector104. In some embodiments, power supply circuit 108 may include an AC-DCconverter. In some embodiments, power supply circuit 108 may have aconnection to grid power component. Grid power component may beconnected to an external electrical power grid. In some embodiments,grid power component may be configured to slowly charge one or morebatteries in order to reduce strain on nearby electrical power grids. Inone embodiment, grid power component may have an AC grid current of atleast 450 amps. In some embodiments, grid power component may have an ACgrid current of more or less than 450 amps. In one embodiment, gridpower component may have an AC voltage connection of 480 Vac. In otherembodiments, grid power component may have an AC voltage connection ofabove or below 480 Vac. In some embodiments, power supply circuit 108may provide power to the grid power component. In this configuration,power supply circuit 108 may provide power to a surrounding electricalpower grid.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , a conductor 112 may include acontrol signal conductor configured to conduct a control signal. As usedin this disclosure, a “control signal conductor” is a conductorconfigured to carry a control signal between an electric vehicle and acharger. As used in this disclosure, a “control signal” is an electricalsignal that is indicative of information. In this disclosure, “controlpilot” is used interchangeably in this application with control signal.In some cases, a control signal may include an analog signal or adigital signal. In some cases, control signal may be communicated fromone or more sensors, for example located within electric vehicle (e.g.,within an electric vehicle battery) and/or located within connector 112.For example, in some cases, control signal may be associated with abattery within an electric vehicle. For example, control signal mayinclude a battery sensor signal. As used in this disclosure, a “batterysensor signal” is a signal representative of a characteristic of abattery. In some cases, battery sensor signal may be representative of acharacteristic of an electric vehicle battery, for example as electricvehicle battery is being recharged. In some embodiments, connector 108may additionally include a sensor interface configured to receive abattery sensor signal. Sensor interface may include one or more ports,an analog to digital converter, and the like. Connector 108 may befurther configured to control an electrical charging current as afunction of a battery sensor signal and/or control signal. For example,connector 104 may control power supply circuit 108 as a function ofbattery sensor signal and/or control signal. In some cases, a batterysensor signal may be representative of battery temperature. In somecases, battery sensor signal may represent a battery cell swell. In somecases, a battery sensor signal may be representative of temperature ofelectric vehicle battery, for example temperature of one or more batterycells within an electric vehicle battery. In some cases, a sensor, acircuit, and/or a connector 104 may perform one or more signalprocessing steps on a signal. For instance, sensor, circuit or connector104 may analyze, modify, and/or synthesize a signal in order to improvethe signal, for instance by improving transmission, storage efficiency,or signal to noise ratio.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , exemplary methods of signal processing mayinclude analog, continuous time, discrete, digital, nonlinear, andstatistical. Analog signal processing may be performed on non-digitizedor analog signals. Exemplary analog processes may include passivefilters, active filters, additive mixers, integrators, delay lines,compandors, multipliers, voltage-controlled filters, voltage-controlledoscillators, and phase-locked loops. Continuous-time signal processingmay be used, in some cases, to process signals which varyingcontinuously within a domain, for instance time. Exemplary non-limitingcontinuous time processes may include time domain processing, frequencydomain processing (Fourier transform), and complex frequency domainprocessing. Discrete time signal processing may be used when a signal issampled non-continuously or at discrete time intervals (i.e., quantizedin time). Analog discrete-time signal processing may process a signalusing the following exemplary circuits sample and hold circuits, analogtime-division multiplexers, analog delay lines and analog feedback shiftregisters. Digital signal processing may be used to process digitizeddiscrete-time sampled signals. Commonly, digital signal processing maybe performed by a computing device or other specialized digitalcircuits, such as without limitation an application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a specializeddigital signal processor (DSP). Digital signal processing may be used toperform any combination of typical arithmetical operations, includingfixed-point and floating-point, real-valued and complex-valued,multiplication and addition. Digital signal processing may additionallyoperate circular buffers and lookup tables. Further non-limitingexamples of algorithms that may be performed according to digital signalprocessing techniques include fast Fourier transform (FFT), finiteimpulse response (FIR) filter, infinite impulse response (IIR) filter,and adaptive filters such as the Wiener and Kalman filters. Statisticalsignal processing may be used to process a signal as a random function(i.e., a stochastic process), utilizing statistical properties. Forinstance, in some embodiments, a signal may be modeled with aprobability distribution indicating noise, which then may be used toreduce noise in a processed signal.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , a conductor 112 may include aground conductor. As used in this disclosure, a “ground conductor” is aconductor configured to be in electrical communication with a ground. Asused in this disclosure, a “ground” is a reference point in anelectrical circuit, a common return path for electric current, or adirect physical connection to the earth. Ground may include an absoluteground such as earth or ground may include a relative (or reference)ground, for example in a floating configuration.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , connector 104 may be configured toinclude a controller. A controller may be configured to control one ormore electrical charging current within conductor 112. As used in thisdisclosure, a “controller” is a logic circuit, such as anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), FPGA, microcontroller,and/or computing device that is configured to control a subsystem. Forexample, a controller may be configured to control power supply circuit108. In some embodiments a controller may control power supply circuit108 according to a control signal. As used in this disclosure, “controlsignal” is any transmission from controller to a subsystem that mayaffect performance of subsystem. In some embodiments, control signal maybe analog. In some cases, control signal may be digital. Control signalmay be communicated according to one or more communication protocols,for example without limitation Ethernet, universal asynchronousreceiver-transmitter, and the like. In some cases, control signal may bea serial signal. In some cases, control signal may be a parallel signal.Control signal may be communicated by way of a network, for example acontroller area network (CAN). In some cases, control signal may includecommands to operate power supply circuit 108. In some cases, powersupply circuit 108 may include one or electrical components configuredto control flow of an electric recharging current or switches, relays,direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converters, and the like. Insome case, power supply circuit 108 may include one or more circuitsconfigured to provide a variable current source to provide electricrecharging current, for example an active current source. Non-limitingexamples of active current sources include active current sourceswithout negative feedback, such as current-stable nonlinearimplementation circuits, following voltage implementation circuits,voltage compensation implementation circuits, and current compensationimplementation circuits, and current sources with negative feedback,including simple transistor current sources, such as constant currantdiodes, Zener diode current source circuits, LED current sourcecircuits, transistor current, and the like, Op-amp current sourcecircuits, voltage regulator circuits, and curpistor tubes, to name afew. In some cases, one or more circuits within power supply circuit 108or within communication with power supply circuit 108 may be configuredto affect electrical recharging current according to control signal froma controller of connector 104, such that the controller may control atleast a parameter of the electrical charging current. For example, insome cases, a controller may control one or more of current (Amps),potential (Volts), and/or power (Watts) of electrical charging currentby way of control signal. In some cases, a controller may be configuredto selectively engage electrical charging current, for example ON or OFFby way of control signal.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , coupling mechanism 116 may beconfigured such that conductor 112 makes a connection with a matingcomponent on or within an electric vehicle port 120 when connectorcoupling mechanism 116 is mated with electric vehicle port 112. As usedin this disclosure, a “mating component” is a component that isconfigured to mate with at least another component, for example in acertain (i.e., mated) configuration.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , a conductor 112 may include aproximity signal conductor. As used in this disclosure, an “proximitysignal conductor” is a conductor configured to carry a proximity signal.As used in this disclosure, a “proximity signal” is a signal that isindicative of information about a location of connector. Proximitysignal may be indicative of attachment of connector with a port, forinstance electric vehicle port and/or test port. In some cases, aproximity signal may include an analog signal, a digital signal, anelectrical signal, an optical signal, a fluidic signal, or the like. Insome cases, a proximity signal conductor may be configured to conduct aproximity signal indicative of attachment between connector 104 and aport, for example electric vehicle port 120.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , in some cases, system 100 may additionallyinclude a proximity sensor. Proximity sensor may be electricallycommunicative with a proximity signal conductor. Proximity sensor may beconfigured to generate a proximity signal as a function of connectionbetween connector 104 and a port, for example electric vehicle port 120.As used in this disclosure, a “sensor” is a device that is configured todetect a phenomenon and transmit information related to the detection ofthe phenomenon. For example, in some cases a sensor may transduce adetected phenomenon, such as without limitation temperature, pressure,and the like, into a sensed signal. As used in this disclosure, a“proximity sensor” is a sensor that is configured to detect at least aphenomenon related to connecter being mated to a port. Proximity sensormay include any sensor described in this disclosure, including withoutlimitation a switch, a capacitive sensor, a capacitive displacementsensor, a doppler effect sensor, an inductive sensor, a magnetic sensor,an optical sensor (such as without limitation a photoelectric sensor, aphotocell, a laser rangefinder, a passive charge-coupled device, apassive thermal infrared sensor, and the like), a radar sensor, areflection sensor, a sonar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, fiber opticssensor, a Hall effect sensor, and the like.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, system 100 mayadditionally include an isolation monitor conductor configured toconduct an isolation monitoring signal. In some cases, power systems forexample power supply circuit 108 and/or electric vehicle batteries mustremain electrically isolated from communication, control, and/or sensorsignals. As used in this disclosure, “isolation” is a state wheresubstantially no communication of a certain type is possible between tocomponents, for example electrical isolation refers to elements whichare not in electrical communication. Often signal carrying conductorsand components (e.g., sensors) may need to be in relatively closeproximity with power systems and/or power carrying conductors. Forinstance, battery sensors which sense characteristics of batteries, forexample batteries within an electric vehicle, are often by virtue oftheir function placed in close proximity with a battery. A batterysensor that measures battery charge and communicates a signal associatedwith battery charge back to connector 104 is at risk of becomingunisolated from the battery. In some cases, an isolation monitoringsignal will indicate isolation of one or more components. In some cases,an isolation monitoring signal may be generated by an isolationmonitoring sensor. Isolation monitoring sensor may include any sensordescribed in this disclosure, such as without limitation a multi-meter,an impedance meter, and/or a continuity meter. In some cases, isolationfrom an electrical power (e.g., a battery and/or a power source) may berequired for a housing of connector 104 and a ground. Isolationmonitoring signal may, in some cases, communication information aboutisolation between an electrical power and a ground, for example along aflow path that includes connector 104.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, one or more of at leasta direct current conductor and at least an alternating current conductormay be further configured to conduct a communication signal and/orcontrol signal by way of power line communication. In some cases,connector 104 may be configured within communication of communicationsignal, for example by way of a power line communication modem. As usedin this disclosure, “power line communication” is process ofcommunicating at least a communication signal simultaneously withelectrical power transmission. In some cases, power line communicationmay operate by adding a modulated carrier signal (e.g., communicationsignal) to a power conductor 112. Different types of power-linecommunications use different frequency bands. In some case, alternatingcurrent may have a frequency of about 50 or about 60 Hz. In some cases,power conductor 112 may be shielded in order to prevent emissions ofpower line communication modulation frequencies. Alternatively oradditionally, power line communication modulation frequency may bewithin a range unregulated by radio regulators, for example below about500 KHz.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, a housing of connector104 may be configured to mate with a test port. For example, a test portmay be identical to electric vehicle port 120. As used in thisdisclosure, a “test port” is port located outside of an electric vehiclethat mates with connector. In some cases, a test port may close acircuit with one or more conductors within connector 104 and therebyallow for said one more conductors to be tested, for example forcontinuity, impedance, resistance, and the like. In some cases, a testport may be configured to test functionality of one or more of at leasta direct current conductor, at least an alternating current conductor,at least a control signal conductor, at least a ground conductor, and atleast a proximity conductor. A test port may facilitate one or moresignals, for example feedback signals, to be communicated with connector104 as a function of coupling mechanism 116 being attached with the testport. In some cases, a test port may allow for verification thatperformance of system 100 is within specified limits.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , as used in this disclosure,“verification” is a process of ensuring that which is being “verified”complies with certain constraints, for example without limitation systemrequirements, regulations, and the like. In some cases, verification mayinclude comparing a product, such as without limitation chargingperformance metrics, against one or more acceptance criteria. Forexample, in some cases, charging performance metrics, may be required tofunction according to prescribed constraints or specification. Ensuringthat charging performance metrics are in compliance with acceptancecriteria may, in some cases, constitute verification. In some cases,verification may include ensuring that data (e.g., performance metricdata) is complete, for example that all required data types, arepresent, readable, uncorrupted, and/or otherwise useful for connector104. In some cases, some or all verification processes may be performedby connector 104. In some cases, at least a machine-learning process,for example a machine-learning model, may be used to verify. Connector104 may use any machine-learning process described in this disclosurefor this or any other function. In some embodiments, at least one ofvalidation and/or verification includes without limitation one or moreof supervisory validation, machine-learning processes, graph-basedvalidation, geometry-based validation, and rules-based validation.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, coupling mechanism 116may be configured to include a locking function. A “locking function” asused in this disclosure is a system of electromechanical components thatensure a secure coupling between two or more objects. In someembodiments, a locking function may include an electric motor. Anelectric motor may include a servomotor. In some embodiments, a lockingfunction may include a plurality of electric motors. In someembodiments, a locking function may include mechanical locks, such asbut not limited to, latches, hatches, hooks, pins, and the like.Connector 104 may send a command to coupling mechanism 116 to lockcoupling mechanism 116 to vehicle port 120. In some embodiments,connector 104 may send a command to coupling mechanism 116 to unlockcoupling mechanism 116 from electrical vehicle port 120. In someembodiments, connector 104 may be configured to send a command tocoupling mechanism 116 when specific parameters are met. In anon-limiting example, connector 104 may sense an overload of currentfrom conductor 112. In such an example, connector 104 may send a commandto lock coupling mechanism 116 to electrical vehicle port 120 to preventunwanted electrical connections to conductor 112. In some embodiments,connector 104 may send a command to coupling mechanism 116 to lock toelectrical vehicle port 120 while simultaneously sending a command topower supply circuit 108 to cut off any power being supplied toconductor 112. In some embodiments, coupling mechanism 116 may sendfeedback to connector 104 that a mating to electrical vehicle port 120failed. Connector 104 may send a command to unlock coupling mechanism116 from electrical vehicle port 120 if a failed mating is detected. Insome embodiments, connector 104 may be configured to disconnectconductor 112 from power supply circuit 108 if coupling mechanism 116 isnot engaged with electrical vehicle port 120.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, connector 104 may beconfigured to regulate power between conductor 112 and electricalvehicle port 120. Connector 104 may be configured to communicate withpower supply circuit 108. Power supply circuit 108 may be configured todetect current and/or voltage levels of electrical components. In someembodiments, power supply circuit 108 may be configured to detect acurrent and/or voltage of conductor 112. Connector 104 may include apower threshold. A “power threshold” as used in this disclosure, is acurrent and/or voltage value that is a minimum or maximum value acceptedby an electrical vehicle. In some embodiments, a power threshold may bedetermined by a user input on connector 104. In other embodiments, apower threshold may be stored in connector 104. In other embodiments, apower threshold may be communicated to connector 104 from electricalvehicle 116. In some embodiments, a power threshold may be communicatedto connector 104 through a wired connection. In other embodiments, apower threshold may be communicated to connector 104 through a wirelessconnection. In other embodiments, a power threshold may be determined bya communication between electrical vehicle 116 and connector 104. Insome embodiments, a power threshold may be adjusted during a charging ofelectrical vehicle 116. In a non-limiting example, electrical vehicle116 may start off at a certain power limit. During a charging ofelectrical vehicle 116, power supply circuit 108 and/or electricalvehicle port 120 may provide feedback signals to connector 104 that apower limit should be raised or reduced. In some embodiments, a powerthreshold may include a time interval. In a non-limiting example, apower threshold may include 550V with a time interval of five seconds.In such an example, a power threshold may be reached after five secondsof a 550V power output. In some embodiments, a power threshold mayinclude a relative percentage of a power output of conductor 112. In anon-limiting example, conductor 112 may be configured to output between500V to 1000V. A power threshold may include a voltage at 110% of anoutput voltage of conductor 112. In some embodiments, a power thresholdmay include a voltage at 110% of an output voltage of conductor 112 overa time interval of five seconds. In some embodiments, power supplycircuit 108 may include a surge protection component. A “surgeprotection component” as used in this disclosure is an electrical deviceconfigured to prevent a current overload. A surge component may include,but is not limited to, diodes, transistors, circuit breakers, fuses, andthe like. In some embodiments, power supply circuit 108 may include avoltage clamping element. A “voltage clamping element” as used in thisdisclosure, is an electrical component that shifts a DC value of anelectrical signal. A voltage clamping element may include a diode and/orcapacitor. In some embodiments, a voltage clamping element may includean operational amplifier. A voltage clamping element may be configuredto move an entire voltage signal higher or lower while retaining thevoltage signals peak-to-peak value. A voltage clamping element may beconfigured to fix a peak-to-peak value of a voltage signal within acertain voltage reference level. A voltage clamping element may be usedby power supply circuit 108 to prevent an output of conductor 112 fromgoing above a maximum voltage value or below a minimum voltage value. Insome embodiments, connector 104 may be configured to unlock couplingmechanism 116 at an unlocking voltage threshold. An “unlocking voltagethreshold” as used in this disclosure is a specific electric potentialthat must be reached before a coupling mechanism disconnects from anelectrical vehicle port. In some embodiments, an unlocking voltagethreshold may be between 10 to 100V. In some embodiments, an unlockingpower threshold may be 60V.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, connector 104 may beconfigured to sense a failed charge event. A “failed charge event” asused in this disclosure is when a power supply is unable to betransferred from a connector to an electrical vehicle. In someembodiments, a failed charge event may include in incompatibilitybetween connector 104 and electrical vehicle and/or electrical vehicleport 120. In some embodiments, a failed charge event may include a poweroverload of electrical vehicle port 120 and/or conductor 112. In someembodiments, a failed charge event may include an improper matingbetween coupling mechanism 116 and electrical vehicle port 120. In someembodiments, a failed charge event may include a data corruption ofconnector 104. A “data corruption” as used in this disclosure, is anerror in computer data that occurs during writing, reading, storage,transmission, and/or processing, which introduces unintended changes toan original set of data. In some embodiments, a failed charge event mayinclude a data corruption of electrical vehicle 116 and/or electricalvehicle port 120. In some embodiments,

Referring now to FIG. 2 , an exemplary connector 200 is schematicallyillustrated. Connector 200 is illustrated with a tether 204. Tether 204may include one or more conductors. Tether 204 may include a conduit,for instance a jacket, enshrouding one or more conductors. In someembodiments, a conduit may be flexible, electrically insulating, and/orfluidically sealed. In some embodiments, connector 200 may include afirst power conductor and a second power conductor. As used in thisdisclosure, a “power conductor” is a conductor configured to conduct anelectrical charging current, for example a direct current and/or analternating current. In some embodiments, connector 200 may include adirect current conductor 220. Direct current conductor 220 may beconfigured to conduct a direct current. In some embodiments, directcurrent conductor 220 may be positioned at an end of connector 200. Insome embodiments, direct current conductor 220 may be positioned in anylocation and/or orientation in connector 200. In some cases, a conductormay include a cable and a contact. A cable may include any electricallyconductive cable including without limitation cables containing copperand/or copper alloys. As used in this disclosure, a “contact” is anelectrically conductive component that is configured to make physicalcontact with a mating electrically conductive component, therebyfacilitating electrical communication between the contact and the matingcomponent. In some cases, a contact may be configured to provideelectrical communication with a mating component within a port. In somecases, a contact may contain copper and/or copper-alloy. In some cases,contact may include a coating. A contact coating may include withoutlimitation hard gold, hard gold flashed palladium-nickel (e.g., 80/20),tin, silver, diamond-like carbon, and the like. In some embodiments, afirst conductor may include a first cable 208 a and a first contact 212a in electrical communication with the first cable. Likewise, a secondconductor may include a second cable 208 b and a second contact 212 b inelectrical communication with the second cable. In some embodiments,connector 200 may include a power supply circuit 216. A “power supplycircuit” as used in this disclosure is a group of electrical componentsconfigured to regulate a voltage and current output. In someembodiments, power supply circuit 216 may be in electrical communicationwith direct current conductor 220. In some embodiments, power supplycircuit 216 may be configured to be positioned in any location and/ororientation in connector 200.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , an exemplary cross-sectional view of anexemplary connector 300 is illustrated. Connector 300 is illustratedwith a tether 304. Tether 304 may include one or more conductors.Connector 300 may include a first power conductor and a second powerconductor. A first conductor may include a first cable 308 a and a firstcontact 312 a in electrical communication with the first cable.Likewise, a second conductor may include a second cable 308 b and asecond contact 312 b in electrical communication with the second cable.In some embodiments, connector 300 may include a direct currentconductor 328. In some embodiments, direct current conductor 328 may beconfigured to conduct a direct current. In some embodiments, directcurrent conductor 328 may be configured to be in any location and/ororientation in connector 300. In some embodiments, connector 300 mayinclude power supply circuit 328. Power supply circuit 328 may beconfigured to regulate a voltage and/or current output of connector 300.In some embodiments, power supply circuit 328 may be configured to be inany location and/or orientation in connector 300.

As shown in FIG. 3 , in some cases, connector 300 may be configured tomate with a port. For example, connector 300 may include a fitting. Insome cases, a fitting may include one or more seals 320. Seals 320 mayinclude any seal described in this disclosure and may be configured toseal a joint between connector 300 and a mating component (e.g.,fitting) within a port, when connector 300 is attached to the port. Asused in this disclosure, a “seal” is a component that is substantiallyimpermeable to a substance (e.g., coolant, air, and/or water) and isdesigned and/or configured to prevent flow of that substance at acertain location, e.g., joint. Seals 320 may be configured to sealliquid. In some cases, seals 320 may include at least one of a gasket,an O-ring, a mechanical fit (e.g., press fit or interference fit), andthe like. In some cases, seals 320 may include an elastomeric material,for example without limitation silicone, buna-N, fluoroelastomer,fluorosilicone, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polyurethane,rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer, and the like. In some cases,seals 320 may include a compliant element, such as without limitation aspring or elastomeric material, to ensure positive contact of a seal 320with a sealing face. In some cases, seals 320 may include a piston sealand/or a face seal. As used in this disclosure, a “joint” is atransition region between two components. For example in some cases, acable and/or conductor may have a joint located between connector 300and electric vehicle port.

With continued reference to FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, connector 300may include a valve 324. Valve 324 may include any type of valve, forexample a mechanical valve, an electrical valve, a check valve, or thelike. In some cases, valve 324 may include quick disconnect. In somecases, valve 324 may include a normally-closed vale, for example amushroom-poppet style valve, as shown in FIG. 3 . Additionalnon-limiting examples of normally-closed valves include solenoid valves,a spring-loaded valve, and the like. In some cases, a valve may includeone or more of a ball valve, a butterfly valve, a body valve, a bonnetvalve, a port valve, an actuator valve, a disc valve, a seat valve, astem valve, a gasket valve, a trim valve, or the like. In some cases,valve 324 may be configured to open when connector 300 is attached to aport. In some embodiments, valve 324 may be configured to be open whenconnector 300 is mated with a mating component within a port. In somecases, valve 324 may be automatically opened/closed, for example by acontroller. In some exemplary embodiments, mating of certain componentswithin connector 300 and a port may occur in prescribed sequence. Forexample, in some cases, tether 304 may first be mated and sealed to itsmating component within a port, before a valve 324 is opened and/or oneor more conductors 312 a-b are mated to their respective matingcomponents within the port. In some cases, valve 324 may be configurednot to open until after connection of one or more conductors 312 a-b.

Referring now to FIG. 4 , battery module 400 with multiple battery units416 is illustrated, according to embodiments. Battery module 400 maycomprise a battery cell 404, cell retainer 408, cell guide 412,protective wrapping, back plate 420, end cap 424, and side panel 428.Battery module 400 may comprise a plurality of battery cells, anindividual of which is labeled 404. In embodiments, battery cells 404may be disposed and/or arranged within a respective battery unit 416 ingroupings of any number of columns and rows. For example, in theillustrative embodiment of FIG. 4 , battery cells 404 are arranged ineach respective battery unit 416 with 18 cells in two columns. It shouldbe noted that although the illustration may be interpreted as containingrows and columns, that the groupings of battery cells in a battery unit,that the rows are only present as a consequence of the repetitive natureof the pattern of staggered battery cells and battery cell holes in cellretainer being aligned in a series. While in the illustrative embodimentof FIG. 4 battery cells 404 are arranged 18 to battery unit 416 with aplurality of battery units 416 comprising battery module 400, one ofskill in the art will understand that battery cells 404 may be arrangedin any number to a row and in any number of columns and further, anynumber of battery units may be present in battery module 400. Accordingto embodiments, battery cells 404 within a first column may be disposedand/or arranged such that they are staggered relative to battery cells404 within a second column. In this way, any two adjacent rows ofbattery cells 404 may not be laterally adjacent but instead may berespectively offset a predetermined distance. In embodiments, any twoadjacent rows of battery cells 404 may be offset by a distance equal toa radius of a battery cell. This arrangement of battery cells 404 isonly a non-limiting example and in no way preclude other arrangement ofbattery cells.

In embodiments, and still referring to FIG. 4 , battery cells 404 may befixed in position by cell retainer 408. For the illustrative purposedwithin FIG. 4 , cell retainer 408 is depicted as the negative spacebetween the circles representing battery cells 404. Cell retainer 408comprises a sheet further comprising circular openings that correspondto the cross-sectional area of an individual battery cell 404. Cellretainer 408 comprises an arrangement of openings that inform thearrangement of battery cells 404. In embodiments, cell retainer 408 maybe configured to non-permanently, mechanically couple to a first end ofbattery cell 404.

With continued reference to FIG. 4 , according to embodiments, batterymodule 400 may further comprise a plurality of cell guides 412corresponding to each battery unit 416. Cell guide 412 may comprise asolid extrusion with cutouts (e.g. scalloped) corresponding to theradius of the cylindrical battery cell 404. Cell guide 412 may bepositioned between the two columns of a battery unit 416 such that itforms a surface (e.g. side surface) of the battery unit 416. Inembodiments, the number of cell guides 412 therefore match in quantityto the number of battery units 416. Cell guide 412 may comprise amaterial suitable for conducting heat.

Still referring to FIG. 4 , battery module 400 may also comprise aprotective wrapping woven between the plurality of battery cells 404.Protective wrapping may provide fire protection, thermal containment,and thermal runaway during a battery cell malfunction or within normaloperating limits of one or more battery cells 404 and/or potentially,battery module 400 as a whole. Battery module 400 may also comprise abackplate 420. Backplate 420 is configured to provide structure andencapsulate at least a portion of battery cells 404, cell retainers 408,cell guides 412, and protective wraps. End cap 424 may be configured toencapsulate at least a portion of battery cells 404, cell retainers 408,cell guides 412, and battery units 416, as will be discussed furtherbelow, end cap may comprise a protruding boss that clicks into receiversin both ends of back plate 420, as well as a similar boss on a secondend that clicks into sense board. Side panel 428 may provide anotherstructural element with two opposite and opposing faces and furtherconfigured to encapsulate at least a portion of battery cells 404, cellretainers 408, cell guides 412, and battery units 416.

Still referring to FIG. 4 , in embodiments, battery module 400 caninclude one or more battery cells 404. In another embodiment, batterymodule 400 comprises a plurality of individual battery cells 404.Battery cells 404 may each comprise a cell configured to include anelectrochemical reaction that produces electrical energy sufficient topower at least a portion of an electric aircraft and/or a cart 100.Battery cell 404 may include electrochemical cells, galvanic cells,electrolytic cells, fuel cells, flow cells, voltaic cells, or anycombination thereof—to name a few. In embodiments, battery cells 404 maybe electrically connected in series, in parallel, or a combination ofseries and parallel. Series connection, as used herein, comprises wiringa first terminal of a first cell to a second terminal of a second celland further configured to comprise a single conductive path forelectricity to flow while maintaining the same current (measured inAmperes) through any component in the circuit. Battery cells 404 may usethe term ‘wired’, but one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciatethat this term is synonymous with ‘electrically connected’, and thatthere are many ways to couple electrical elements like battery cells 404together. As an example, battery cells 404 can be coupled viaprefabricated terminals of a first gender that mate with a secondterminal with a second gender. Parallel connection, as used herein,comprises wiring a first and second terminal of a first battery cell toa first and second terminal of a second battery cell and furtherconfigured to comprise more than one conductive path for electricity toflow while maintaining the same voltage (measured in Volts) across anycomponent in the circuit. Battery cells 404 may be wired in aseries-parallel circuit which combines characteristics of theconstituent circuit types to this combination circuit. Battery cells 404may be electrically connected in any arrangement which may confer ontothe system the electrical advantages associated with that arrangementsuch as high-voltage applications, high-current applications, or thelike.

Still referring to FIG. 4 , as used herein, an electrochemical cell is adevice capable of generating electrical energy from chemical reactionsor using electrical energy to cause chemical reactions. Further, voltaicor galvanic cells are electrochemical cells that generate electriccurrent from chemical reactions, while electrolytic cells generatechemical reactions via electrolysis. As used herein, the term ‘battery’is used as a collection of cells connected in series or parallel to eachother. According to embodiments and as discussed above, any two rows ofbattery cells 404 and therefore cell retainer 408 openings are shiftedone half-length so that no two battery cells 404 are directly next tothe next along the length of the battery module 400, this is thestaggered arrangement presented in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4. Cell retainer 408 may employ this staggered arrangement to allow morecells to be disposed closer together than in square columns and rowslike in a grid pattern. The staggered arrangement may also be configuredto allow better thermodynamic dissipation, the methods of which may befurther disclosed hereinbelow. Cell retainer 408 may comprise staggeredopenings that align with battery cells 404 and further configured tohold battery cells 404 in fixed positions. Cell retainer 408 maycomprise an injection molded component. Injection molded component maycomprise a component manufactured by injecting a liquid into a mold andletting it solidify, taking the shape of the mold in its hardened form.Cell retainer 408 may comprise liquid crystal polymer, polypropylene,polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyethylene, nylon,polystyrene, polyether ether ketone, to name a few. Cell retainer 408may comprise a second cell retainer fixed to the second end of batterycells 404 and configured to hold battery cells 404 in place from bothends. The second cell retainer may comprise similar or the exact samecharacteristics and functions of first cell retainer 408. Battery module400 may also comprise cell guide 412. Cell guide 412 includes materialdisposed in between two rows of battery cells 404. In embodiments, cellguide 412 can be configured to distribute heat that may be generated bybattery cells 404.

Still referring to FIG. 4 , according to embodiments, battery module 400may also comprise back plate 420. Back plate 420 is configured toprovide a base structure for battery module 400 and may encapsulate atleast a portion thereof. Backplate 420 can have any shape and includesopposite, opposing sides with a thickness between them. In embodiments,back plate 420 may comprise an effectively flat, rectangular prismshaped sheet. For example, back plate 420 can comprise one side of alarger rectangular prism which characterizes the shape of battery module400 as a whole. Back plate 420 also comprises openings correlating toeach battery cell 404 of the plurality of battery cells 404. Back plate420 may comprise a lamination of multiple layers. The layers that arelaminated together may comprise FR-4, a glass-reinforced epoxy laminatematerial, and a thermal barrier of a similar or exact same type asdisclosed hereinabove. Back plate 420 may be configured to providestructural support and containment of at least a portion of batterymodule 400 as well as provide fire and thermal protection.

With continued reference to FIG. 4 , according to embodiments, batterymodule 400 may also include first end cap 424 configured to encapsulateat least a portion of battery module 400. End cap 424 may providestructural support for battery module 400 and hold back plate 420 in afixed relative position compared to the overall battery module 400. Endcap 424 may comprise a protruding boss on a first end that mates up withand snaps into a receiving feature on a first end of back plate 420. Endcap 424 may comprise a second protruding boss on a second end that matesup with and snaps into a receiving feature on sense board. Batterymodule 400 may also include at least a side panel 428 that mayencapsulate two sides of battery module 400. Side panel 428 may compriseopposite and opposing faces comprising a metal or composite material. Inthe illustrative embodiment of FIG. 4 , a second side panel 428 ispresent but not illustrated so that the inside of battery module 400 maybe presented. Side panel(s) 428 may provide structural support forbattery module 400 and provide a barrier to separate battery module 400from exterior components within aircraft or environment.

Referring now to FIG. 5 , a perspective drawing of an embodiment of abattery pack with a plurality of battery modules disposed therein 500.The configuration of battery pack 500 is merely exemplary and should inno way be considered limiting. Battery pack 500 is configured tofacilitate the flow of the media through each battery module of theplurality of battery modules to cool the battery pack. Battery pack 500can include one or more battery modules 504A-N. Battery pack 500 isconfigured to house and/or encase one or more battery modules 504A-N.Each battery module of the plurality of battery modules 504A-N mayinclude any battery module as described in further detail in theentirety of this disclosure. As an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 5illustrates 7 battery modules 504A-N creating battery pack 500, however,a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that any numberof battery modules 504A-N may be housed within battery pack 500. In anembodiment, each battery module of the plurality of battery modules504A-N can include one or more battery cells 508A-N. Each battery module504A-N is configured to house and/or encase one or more battery cells508A-N. Each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells 508A-N mayinclude any battery cell as described in further detail in the entiretyof this disclosure. Battery cells 508A-N may be configured to becontained within each battery module 504A-N, wherein each battery cell508A-N is disposed in any configuration without limitation. As anexemplary embodiment, FIG. 5 illustrates 240 battery cells 508A-N housedwithin each battery module 504A-N, however, a person of ordinary skillin the art would understand that any number of battery units 508A-N maybe housed within each battery module 504A-N of battery pack 500.Further, each battery module of the plurality of battery modules 504A-Nof battery pack 500 includes circuit 512. Circuit 512 may include anycircuit as described in further detail in the entirety of thisdisclosure. Each battery module of the plurality of battery modules504A-N further includes second circuit 516. Second circuit 516 mayinclude any circuit as described in further detail in the entirety ofthis disclosure. Persons skilled in the art, upon reviewing the entiretyof this disclosure, will be aware of various configurations of theplurality of battery modules that may be utilized for the battery packconsistently with this disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 6 , a perspective view of an embodiment batteryunit 600 is illustrated. Battery unit 600 may be configured to couple toone or more other battery units, wherein the combination of two or morebattery units 600 forms at least a portion of vehicle battery and/orcharging battery. Battery unit 600 is configured to include a pluralityof battery cells 604A-N. The plurality of battery cells 604A-N mayinclude any battery cell as described in the entirety of thisdisclosure. In the instant embodiment, for example and withoutlimitation, battery unit 600 includes a first row 608A of battery cells604A-N, wherein first row 608A of battery cells 604A-N is in contactwith the first side of the thermal conduit, as described in furtherdetail below. As a non-limiting example, row 608A of battery cells604A-N is configured to contain ten columns of battery cells. Further,in the instant embodiment, for example and without limitation, batteryunit 600 includes a second row 608B of battery cells 604A-N, whereinsecond row 608B of battery cells 604A-N is in contact with the secondside of the thermal conduit, as described in further detail below. As anon-limiting example, second row 608B of battery cells 604A-N isconfigured to contain ten columns of battery cells. In the embodiment ofFIG. 6 , battery unit 600 is configured to contain twenty battery cells604A-N in first row 608A and second row 608B. Battery cells 604A-N ofbattery unit 600 may be arranged in any configuration, such that batteryunit 600 may contain any number of rows of battery cells and any numberof columns of battery cells. Though the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6presents one arrangement for battery unit 600, one of skill in the artwill understand that any number of arrangements may be used. Inembodiments, battery unit 600 may contain any offset of distance betweenfirst row 608A of battery cells 604A-N and second row 608B of batterycells 604A-N, wherein the battery cells 604A-N of first row 608A and thebattery cells 604A-N of second row 608B are not centered with eachother. In the instant embodiment, for example and without limitation,battery unit 600 includes first row 608A and adjacent second row 608Beach containing ten battery cells 604A-N, each battery cell 604 of firstrow 608A and each battery cell 604 of second row 608B are shifted alength measuring the radius of a battery cell, wherein the center ofeach battery cell 604 of first row 608A and each battery cell 604 ofsecond row 608B are separated from the center of the battery cell in theadjacent column by a length equal to the radius of the battery cell. Asa further example and without limitation, each battery cell of 604 offirst row 608A and each battery cell 604 of second row 608B are shifteda length measuring a quarter the diameter of each battery cell, whereinthe center of each battery cell of first row 608A and each battery cellof second row 608B are separated from the center of a battery cell inthe adjacent column by a length equal to a quarter of the diameter ofthe battery cell. First row 608A of battery cells 604A-N and second row608B of battery cells 604A-N of the at least a battery unit may beconfigured to be fixed in a position by utilizing a cell retainer, asdescribed in the entirety of this disclosure. The arrangement of theconfiguration of each battery cell 604A-N of first row 608A and eachbattery cell 604A-N of second row 608B of battery unit 600 in FIG. 6 isa non-limiting embodiment and in no way precludes other arrangements ofeach battery cell 604A-N of first row 608A and/or second row 608B. Eachbattery cell 604A-B may be connected utilizing any means of connectionas described in the entirety of this disclosure. Persons skilled in theart, upon reviewing the entirety of this disclosure, will be aware ofelectrical connections that may be used as to connect each battery cellconsistently with this disclosure.

Still referring to FIG. 6 , in embodiments, battery unit 600 can includethermal conduit 612, wherein thermal conduit 612 has a first surface anda second opposite and opposing surface. Thermal conduit 612 may includeany thermal conduit as described above. The height of thermal conduit612 may not exceed the height of battery cells 604A-N, as described inthe entirety of this disclosure. For example and without limitation, inthe embodiment of FIG. 6 , the thermal conduit 612 is at a height thatis equal to the height of each battery cell 604 of first row 608A andsecond row 608B. Thermal conduit 612 may be composed of any suitablematerial, as described above in further detail. Thermal conduit 612 isconfigured to include an indent in the component for each battery cell604 coupled to the first surface and/or the second surface of thermalconduit 612. Persons skilled in the art, upon reviewing the entirety ofthis disclosure, will be aware of components that may be used as thermalconduits consistently with this disclosure.

With continued reference to FIG. 6 , thermal conduit 612, inembodiments, includes at least a passage 616A-N, wherein the at least apassage 616A-N comprises an opening starting at the first end of thermalconduit 612 and terminating at a second, opposing end of thermal conduit612. The “passage”, as described herein, is a horizontal channel withopenings on each end of the thermal conduit. The at least a passage616A-N is configured to have a hollow shape comprising one or moresides, at least two ends (e.g. a top and a bottom), and a length,wherein the hollow shape comprises a void having a shape the same as ordifferent from the shape of the at least a passage 616A-N andterminating at an opposite, opposing second end of the shape. Forexample and without limitation, in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 6, the at least a passage 616A-N comprise a rectangle shaped tubularshape. In embodiments, the tubular component runs effectivelyperpendicular to each battery cell 604A-N. In embodiments, the at leasta passage 616A-N can be disposed such that it forms a void originatingat a first side of the battery module and terminating at the second,opposite, and opposing side, of the battery module. According toembodiments, the at least a passage 616A-N and/or thermal conduit 612may be composed utilizing any suitable material. For example and withoutlimitation, thermal conduit 612 and/or the at least a passage 616A-N maybe composed of polypropylene, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadienestyrene, polyethylene, nylon, polystyrene, polyether ether ketone, andthe like.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 6 , in embodiments, the at least a passage616A-N may be disposed in the thermal conduit 612 such that the at leasta passage is configured to allow the travel of a media from a first endof thermal conduit 612 to the second, opposite, and opposite end ofthermal conduit 612. For example, the at least a passage 616A-N can bedisposed to allow the passage of the media through the hollowopening/void of the at least a passage 616A-N. The media may include anymedia as described in the entirety of this disclosure. The hollowopening of thermal conduit 612 and/or the at least a passage 616A-N maybe configured to be of any size and/or diameter. For example and withoutlimitation, the hollow opening of the at least a passage 616A-N may beconfigured to have a diameter that is equal to or less than the radiusof each battery cell 604A-N. The at least a passage 616A-N and/orthermal conduit 612 may have a length equal or less than the length ofone row of battery cells 604A-N such that thermal conduit and/or the atleast a passage is configured to not exceed the length of first row 608Aand/or second row 608B of battery cells 604A-N. The opening of the atleast a passage 616A-N can be configured to be disposed at each end ofthermal conduit 612, wherein the at least a passage 616A-N may be incontact with each battery cell 604A-N in a respective battery unit 600located at the end of each column and/or row of the battery unit 600.For example and without limitation, in the illustrative embodiment ofFIG. 6 , a battery unit 600 can contain two rows with ten columns ofbattery cells 604A-N and the opening of the at least a passage 616A-N oneach end of thermal conduit 612 that is in contact with a respectivebattery cell 604A-N at the end of each of the two columns. Personsskilled in the art, upon reviewing the entirety of this disclosure, willbe aware of various components that may be used as at least a passageconsistently with this disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 7 , an embodiment of sensor suite 700 ispresented. The herein disclosed system and method may comprise aplurality of sensors in the form of individual sensors or a sensor suiteworking in tandem or individually. A sensor suite may include aplurality of independent sensors, as described herein, where any numberof the described sensors may be used to detect any number of physical orelectrical quantities associated with a vehicle battery or an electricalenergy storage system, such as without limitation charging battery.Independent sensors may include separate sensors measuring physical orelectrical quantities that may be powered by and/or in communicationwith circuits independently, where each may signal sensor output to acontrol circuit such as a user graphical interface. In a non-limitingexample, there may be four independent sensors housed in and/or onbattery pack measuring temperature, electrical characteristic such asvoltage, amperage, resistance, or impedance, or any other parametersand/or quantities as described in this disclosure. In an embodiment, useof a plurality of independent sensors may result in redundancyconfigured to employ more than one sensor that measures the samephenomenon, those sensors being of the same type, a combination of, oranother type of sensor not disclosed, so that in the event one sensorfails, the ability of controller 104 and/or user to detect phenomenon ismaintained.

With continued reference to FIG. 7 , sensor suite 700 may include ahumidity sensor 704. Humidity, as used in this disclosure, is theproperty of a gaseous medium (almost always air) to hold water in theform of vapor. An amount of water vapor contained within a parcel of aircan vary significantly. Water vapor is generally invisible to the humaneye and may be damaging to electrical components. There are threeprimary measurements of humidity, absolute, relative, specific humidity.“Absolute humidity,” for the purposes of this disclosure, describes thewater content of air and is expressed in either grams per cubic metersor grams per kilogram. “Relative humidity”, for the purposes of thisdisclosure, is expressed as a percentage, indicating a present stat ofabsolute humidity relative to a maximum humidity given the sametemperature. “Specific humidity”, for the purposes of this disclosure,is the ratio of water vapor mass to total moist air parcel mass, whereparcel is a given portion of a gaseous medium. Humidity sensor 704 maybe psychrometer. Humidity sensor 704 may be a hygrometer. Humiditysensor 704 may be configured to act as or include a humidistat. A“humidistat”, for the purposes of this disclosure, is ahumidity-triggered switch, often used to control another electronicdevice. Humidity sensor 704 may use capacitance to measure relativehumidity and include in itself, or as an external component, include adevice to convert relative humidity measurements to absolute humiditymeasurements. “Capacitance”, for the purposes of this disclosure, is theability of a system to store an electric charge, in this case the systemis a parcel of air which may be near, adjacent to, or above a batterycell.

With continued reference to FIG. 7 , sensor suite 700 may includemultimeter 708. Multimeter 708 may be configured to measure voltageacross a component, electrical current through a component, andresistance of a component. Multimeter 708 may include separate sensorsto measure each of the previously disclosed electrical characteristicssuch as voltmeter, ammeter, and ohmmeter, respectively.

Alternatively or additionally, and with continued reference to FIG. 7 ,sensor suite 700 may include a sensor or plurality thereof that maydetect voltage and direct charging of individual battery cells accordingto charge level; detection may be performed using any suitablecomponent, set of components, and/or mechanism for direct or indirectmeasurement and/or detection of voltage levels, including withoutlimitation comparators, analog to digital converters, any form ofvoltmeter, or the like. Sensor suite 700 and/or a control circuitincorporated therein and/or communicatively connected thereto may beconfigured to adjust charge to one or more battery cells as a functionof a charge level and/or a detected parameter. For instance, and withoutlimitation, sensor suite 700 may be configured to determine that acharge level of a battery cell is high based on a detected voltage levelof that battery cell or portion of the battery pack. Sensor suite 700may alternatively or additionally detect a charge reduction event,defined for purposes of this disclosure as any temporary or permanentstate of a battery cell requiring reduction or cessation of charging; acharge reduction event may include a cell being fully charged and/or acell undergoing a physical and/or electrical process that makescontinued charging at a current voltage and/or current level inadvisabledue to a risk that the cell will be damaged, will overheat, or the like.Detection of a charge reduction event may include detection of atemperature, of the cell above a threshold level, detection of a voltageand/or resistance level above or below a threshold, or the like. Sensorsuite 700 may include digital sensors, analog sensors, or a combinationthereof. Sensor suite 700 may include digital-to-analog converters(DAC), analog-to-digital converters (ADC, A/D, A-to-D), a combinationthereof, or other signal conditioning components used in transmission ofa battery sensor signal to a destination over wireless or wiredconnection.

With continued reference to FIG. 7 , sensor suite 700 may includethermocouples, thermistors, thermometers, passive infrared sensors,resistance temperature sensors (RTD's), semiconductor based integratedcircuits (IC), a combination thereof or another undisclosed sensor type,alone or in combination. Temperature, for the purposes of thisdisclosure, and as would be appreciated by someone of ordinary skill inthe art, is a measure of the heat energy of a system. Temperature, asmeasured by any number or combinations of sensors present within sensorsuite 700, may be measured in Fahrenheit (° F.), Celsius (° C.), Kelvin(° K), or another scale alone or in combination. The temperaturemeasured by sensors may comprise electrical signals which aretransmitted to their appropriate destination wireless or through a wiredconnection.

With continued reference to FIG. 7 , sensor suite 700 may include asensor configured to detect gas that may be emitted during or after acatastrophic cell failure. “Catastrophic cell failure”, for the purposesof this disclosure, refers to a malfunction of a battery cell, which maybe an electrochemical cell, that renders the cell inoperable for itsdesigned function, namely providing electrical energy to at least aportion of an electric aircraft. Byproducts of catastrophic cell failure712 may include gaseous discharge including oxygen, hydrogen, carbondioxide, methane, carbon monoxide, a combination thereof, or anotherundisclosed gas, alone or in combination. Further the sensor configuredto detect vent gas from electrochemical cells may comprise a gasdetector. For the purposes of this disclosure, a “gas detector” is adevice used to detect a gas is present in an area. Gas detectors, andmore specifically, the gas sensor that may be used in sensor suite 700,may be configured to detect combustible, flammable, toxic, oxygendepleted, a combination thereof, or another type of gas alone or incombination. The gas sensor that may be present in sensor suite 700 mayinclude a combustible gas, photoionization detectors, electrochemicalgas sensors, ultrasonic sensors, metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS)sensors, infrared imaging sensors, a combination thereof, or anotherundisclosed type of gas sensor alone or in combination. Sensor suite 700may include sensors that are configured to detect non-gaseous byproductsof catastrophic cell failure 712 including, in non-limiting examples,liquid chemical leaks including aqueous alkaline solution, ionomer,molten phosphoric acid, liquid electrolytes with redox shuttle andionomer, and salt water, among others. Sensor suite 700 may includesensors that are configured to detect non-gaseous byproducts ofcatastrophic cell failure 712 including, in non-limiting examples,electrical anomalies as detected by any of the previous disclosedsensors or components.

With continued reference to FIG. 7 , sensor suite 700 may be configuredto detect events where voltage nears an upper voltage threshold or lowervoltage threshold. The upper voltage threshold may be stored in datastorage system for comparison with an instant measurement taken by anycombination of sensors present within sensor suite 700. The uppervoltage threshold may be calculated and calibrated based on factorsrelating to battery cell health, maintenance history, location withinbattery pack, designed application, and type, among others. Sensor suite700 may measure voltage at an instant, over a period of time, orperiodically. Sensor suite 700 may be configured to operate at any ofthese detection modes, switch between modes, or simultaneous measure inmore than one mode. Connector 104 may detect through sensor suite 700events where voltage nears the lower voltage threshold. The lowervoltage threshold may indicate power loss to or from an individualbattery cell or portion of the battery pack. Connector 104 may detectthrough sensor suite 700 events where voltage exceeds the upper andlower voltage threshold. Events where voltage exceeds the upper andlower voltage threshold may indicate battery cell failure or electricalanomalies that could lead to potentially dangerous situations foraircraft and personnel that may be present in or near its operation.

With continued reference to FIG. 7 , in some cases, sensor suite 700 mayinclude a swell sensor configured to sense swell, pressure, or strain ofat least a battery cell. In some cases, battery cell swell, pressure,and/or strain may be indicative of an amount of gases and/or gasexpansion within a battery cell. Battery swell sensor may include one ormore of a pressure sensor, a load cell, and a strain gauge. In somecases, battery swell sensor may output a battery swell signal that isanalog and requires signal processing techniques. For example, in somecases, wherein battery swell sensor includes at least a strain gauge,battery swell signal may be processed and digitized by one or more of aWheatstone bridge, an amplifier, a filter, and an analog to digitalconverter. In some cases, battery sensor signal may include batteryswell signal.

Referring now to FIG. 8 , an exemplary embodiment of an aircraft 800 isillustrated. Aircraft 800 may include an electrically powered aircraft(i.e., electric aircraft). In some embodiments, electrically poweredaircraft may be an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL)aircraft. Electric aircraft may be capable of rotor-based cruisingflight, rotor-based takeoff, rotor-based landing, fixed-wing cruisingflight, airplane-style takeoff, airplane-style landing, and/or anycombination thereof. “Rotor-based flight,” as described in thisdisclosure, is where the aircraft generated lift and propulsion by wayof one or more powered rotors coupled with an engine, such as aquadcopter, multi-rotor helicopter, or other vehicle that maintains itslift primarily using downward thrusting propulsors. “Fixed-wing flight,”as described in this disclosure, is where the aircraft is capable offlight using wings and/or foils that generate lift caused by theaircraft's forward airspeed and the shape of the wings and/or foils,such as airplane-style flight.

Still referring to FIG. 8 , aircraft 800 may include a fuselage 804. Asused in this disclosure a “fuselage” is the main body of an aircraft, orin other words, the entirety of the aircraft except for the cockpit,nose, wings, empennage, nacelles, any and all control surfaces, andgenerally contains an aircraft's payload. Fuselage 804 may comprisestructural elements that physically support the shape and structure ofan aircraft. Structural elements may take a plurality of forms, alone orin combination with other types. Structural elements may vary dependingon the construction type of aircraft and specifically, the fuselage.Fuselage 804 may comprise a truss structure. A truss structure may beused with a lightweight aircraft and may include welded aluminum tubetrusses. A truss, as used herein, is an assembly of beams that create arigid structure, often in combinations of triangles to createthree-dimensional shapes. A truss structure may alternatively comprisetitanium construction in place of aluminum tubes, or a combinationthereof. In some embodiments, structural elements may comprise aluminumtubes and/or titanium beams. In an embodiment, and without limitation,structural elements may include an aircraft skin. Aircraft skin may belayered over the body shape constructed by trusses. Aircraft skin maycomprise a plurality of materials such as aluminum, fiberglass, and/orcarbon fiber, the latter of which will be addressed in greater detaillater in this paper.

Still referring to FIG. 8 , aircraft 800 may include a plurality ofactuators 808. Actuator 808 may include any motor and/or propulsordescribed in this disclosure. In an embodiment, actuator 808 may bemechanically coupled to an aircraft. As used herein, a person ofordinary skill in the art would understand “mechanically coupled” tomean that at least a portion of a device, component, or circuit isconnected to at least a portion of the aircraft via a mechanicalcoupling. Said mechanical coupling can include, for example, rigidcoupling, such as beam coupling, bellows coupling, bushed pin coupling,constant velocity, split-muff coupling, diaphragm coupling, disccoupling, donut coupling, elastic coupling, flexible coupling, fluidcoupling, gear coupling, grid coupling, Hirth joints, hydrodynamiccoupling, jaw coupling, magnetic coupling, Oldham coupling, sleevecoupling, tapered shaft lock, twin spring coupling, rag joint coupling,universal joints, or any combination thereof. As used in this disclosurean “aircraft” is vehicle that may fly. As a non-limiting example,aircraft may include airplanes, helicopters, airships, blimps, gliders,paramotors, and the like thereof. In an embodiment, mechanical couplingmay be used to connect the ends of adjacent parts and/or objects of anelectric aircraft. Further, in an embodiment, mechanical coupling may beused to join two pieces of rotating electric aircraft components.

With continued reference to FIG. 8 , a plurality of actuators 808 may beconfigured to produce a torque. As used in this disclosure a “torque” isa measure of force that causes an object to rotate about an axis in adirection. For example, and without limitation, torque may rotate anaileron and/or rudder to generate a force that may adjust and/or affectaltitude, airspeed velocity, groundspeed velocity, direction duringflight, and/or thrust. For example, plurality of actuators 808 mayinclude a component used to produce a torque that affects aircrafts'roll and pitch, such as without limitation one or more ailerons. An“aileron,” as used in this disclosure, is a hinged surface which formpart of the trailing edge of a wing in a fixed wing aircraft, and whichmay be moved via mechanical means such as without limitationservomotors, mechanical linkages, or the like. As a further example,plurality of actuators 808 may include a rudder, which may include,without limitation, a segmented rudder that produces a torque about avertical axis. Additionally or alternatively, plurality of actuators 808may include other flight control surfaces such as propulsors, rotatingflight controls, or any other structural features which can adjustmovement of aircraft 800. Plurality of actuators 808 may include one ormore rotors, turbines, ducted fans, paddle wheels, and/or othercomponents configured to propel a vehicle through a fluid mediumincluding, but not limited to air.

Still referring to FIG. 8 , plurality of actuators 808 may include atleast a propulsor component. As used in this disclosure a “propulsorcomponent” or “propulsor” is a component and/or device used to propel acraft by exerting force on a fluid medium, which may include a gaseousmedium such as air or a liquid medium such as water. In an embodiment,when a propulsor twists and pulls air behind it, it may, at the sametime, push an aircraft forward with an amount of force and/or thrust.More air pulled behind an aircraft results in greater thrust with whichthe aircraft is pushed forward. Propulsor component may include anydevice or component that consumes electrical power on demand to propelan electric aircraft in a direction or other vehicle while on ground orin-flight. In an embodiment, propulsor component may include a pullercomponent. As used in this disclosure a “puller component” is acomponent that pulls and/or tows an aircraft through a medium. As anon-limiting example, puller component may include a flight componentsuch as a puller propeller, a puller motor, a puller propulsor, and thelike. Additionally, or alternatively, puller component may include aplurality of puller flight components. In another embodiment, propulsorcomponent may include a pusher component. As used in this disclosure a“pusher component” is a component that pushes and/or thrusts an aircraftthrough a medium. As a non-limiting example, pusher component mayinclude a pusher component such as a pusher propeller, a pusher motor, apusher propulsor, and the like. Additionally, or alternatively, pusherflight component may include a plurality of pusher flight components.

In another embodiment, and still referring to FIG. 8 , propulsor mayinclude a propeller, a blade, or any combination of the two. A propellermay function to convert rotary motion from an engine or other powersource into a swirling slipstream which may push the propeller forwardsor backwards. Propulsor may include a rotating power-driven hub, towhich several radial airfoil-section blades may be attached, such thatan entire whole assembly rotates about a longitudinal axis. As anon-limiting example, blade pitch of propellers may be fixed at a fixedangle, manually variable to a few set positions, automatically variable(e.g. a “constant-speed” type), and/or any combination thereof asdescribed further in this disclosure. As used in this disclosure a“fixed angle” is an angle that is secured and/or substantially unmovablefrom an attachment point. For example, and without limitation, a fixedangle may be an angle of 2.2° inward and/or 1.7° forward. As a furthernon-limiting example, a fixed angle may be an angle of 3.6° outwardand/or 2.7° backward. In an embodiment, propellers for an aircraft maybe designed to be fixed to their hub at an angle similar to the threadon a screw makes an angle to the shaft; this angle may be referred to asa pitch or pitch angle which may determine a speed of forward movementas the blade rotates. Additionally or alternatively, propulsor componentmay be configured having a variable pitch angle. As used in thisdisclosure a “variable pitch angle” is an angle that may be moved and/orrotated. For example, and without limitation, propulsor component may beangled at a first angle of 3.3° inward, wherein propulsor component maybe rotated and/or shifted to a second angle of 1.7° outward.

Still referring to FIG. 8 , propulsor may include a thrust element whichmay be integrated into the propulsor. Thrust element may include,without limitation, a device using moving or rotating foils, such as oneor more rotors, an airscrew or propeller, a set of airscrews orpropellers such as contra-rotating propellers, a moving or flappingwing, or the like. Further, a thrust element, for example, can includewithout limitation a marine propeller or screw, an impeller, a turbine,a pump-jet, a paddle or paddle-based device, or the like.

With continued reference to FIG. 8 , plurality of actuators 808 mayinclude power sources, control links to one or more elements, fuses,and/or mechanical couplings used to drive and/or control any otherflight component. Plurality of actuators 808 may include a motor thatoperates to move one or more flight control components and/or one ormore control surfaces, to drive one or more propulsors, or the like. Amotor may be driven by direct current (DC) electric power and mayinclude, without limitation, brushless DC electric motors, switchedreluctance motors, induction motors, or any combination thereof.Alternatively or additionally, a motor may be driven by an inverter. Amotor may also include electronic speed controllers, inverters, or othercomponents for regulating motor speed, rotation direction, and/ordynamic braking.

Still referring to FIG. 8 , plurality of actuators 808 may include anenergy source. An energy source may include, for example, a generator, aphotovoltaic device, a fuel cell such as a hydrogen fuel cell, directmethanol fuel cell, and/or solid oxide fuel cell, an electric energystorage device (e.g. a capacitor, an inductor, and/or a battery). Anenergy source may also include a battery cell, or a plurality of batterycells connected in series into a module and each module connected inseries or in parallel with other modules. Configuration of an energysource containing connected modules may be designed to meet an energy orpower requirement and may be designed to fit within a designatedfootprint in an electric aircraft in which system may be incorporated.

In an embodiment, and still referring to FIG. 8 , an energy source maybe used to provide a steady supply of electrical power to a load over aflight by an electric aircraft 800. For example, energy source may becapable of providing sufficient power for “cruising” and otherrelatively low-energy phases of flight. An energy source may also becapable of providing electrical power for some higher-power phases offlight as well, particularly when the energy source is at a high SOC, asmay be the case for instance during takeoff. In an embodiment, energysource may include an emergency power unit which may be capable ofproviding sufficient electrical power for auxiliary loads includingwithout limitation, lighting, navigation, communications, de-icing,steering or other systems requiring power or energy. Further, energysource may be capable of providing sufficient power for controlleddescent and landing protocols, including, without limitation, hoveringdescent or runway landing. As used herein the energy source may havehigh power density where electrical power an energy source can usefullyproduce per unit of volume and/or mass is relatively high. As used inthis disclosure, “electrical power” is a rate of electrical energy perunit time. An energy source may include a device for which power thatmay be produced per unit of volume and/or mass has been optimized, forinstance at an expense of maximal total specific energy density or powercapacity. Non-limiting examples of items that may be used as at least anenergy source include batteries used for starting applications includingLi ion batteries which may include NCA, NMC, Lithium iron phosphate(LiFePO4) and Lithium Manganese Oxide (LMO) batteries, which may bemixed with another cathode chemistry to provide more specific power ifthe application requires Li metal batteries, which have a lithium metalanode that provides high power on demand, Li ion batteries that have asilicon or titanite anode, energy source may be used, in an embodiment,to provide electrical power to an electric aircraft or drone, such as anelectric aircraft vehicle, during moments requiring high rates of poweroutput, including without limitation takeoff, landing, thermal de-icingand situations requiring greater power output for reasons of stability,such as high turbulence situations, as described in further detailbelow. A battery may include, without limitation a battery using nickelbased chemistries such as nickel cadmium or nickel metal hydride, abattery using lithium ion battery chemistries such as a nickel cobaltaluminum (NCA), nickel manganese cobalt (NMC), lithium iron phosphate(LiFePO4), lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), and/or lithium manganese oxide(LMO), a battery using lithium polymer technology, lead-based batteriessuch as without limitation lead acid batteries, metal-air batteries, orany other suitable battery. Persons skilled in the art, upon reviewingthe entirety of this disclosure, will be aware of various devices ofcomponents that may be used as an energy source.

Still referring to FIG. 8 , an energy source may include a plurality ofenergy sources, referred to herein as a module of energy sources. Modulemay include batteries connected in parallel or in series or a pluralityof modules connected either in series or in parallel designed to satisfyboth power and energy requirements. Connecting batteries in series mayincrease a potential of at least an energy source which may provide morepower on demand. High potential batteries may require cell matching whenhigh peak load is needed. As more cells are connected in strings, theremay exist a possibility of one cell failing which may increaseresistance in module and reduce overall power output as voltage of themodule may decrease as a result of that failing cell. Connectingbatteries in parallel may increase total current capacity by decreasingtotal resistance, and it also may increase overall amp-hour capacity.Overall energy and power outputs of at least an energy source may bebased on individual battery cell performance or an extrapolation basedon a measurement of at least an electrical parameter. In an embodimentwhere energy source includes a plurality of battery cells, overall poweroutput capacity may be dependent on electrical parameters of eachindividual cell. If one cell experiences high self-discharge duringdemand, power drawn from at least an energy source may be decreased toavoid damage to a weakest cell. Energy source may further include,without limitation, wiring, conduit, housing, cooling system and batterymanagement system. Persons skilled in the art will be aware, afterreviewing the entirety of this disclosure, of many different componentsof an energy source. Exemplary energy sources are disclosed in detail inU.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 16/948,157 and 16/048,140 bothentitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HIGH ENERGY DENSITY BATTERY MODULE” byS. Donovan et al., which are incorporated in their entirety herein byreference.

Still referring to FIG. 8 , according to some embodiments, an energysource may include an emergency power unit (EPU) (i.e., auxiliary powerunit). As used in this disclosure an “emergency power unit” is an energysource as described herein that is configured to power an essentialsystem for a critical function in an emergency, for instance withoutlimitation when another energy source has failed, is depleted, or isotherwise unavailable. Exemplary non-limiting essential systems includenavigation systems, such as MFD, GPS, VOR receiver or directional gyro,and other essential flight components, such as propulsors.

Still referring to FIG. 8 , another exemplary actuator may includelanding gear. Landing gear may be used for take-off and/orlanding/Landing gear may be used to contact ground while aircraft 800 isnot in flight. Exemplary landing gear is disclosed in detail in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 17/196,719 entitled “SYSTEM FOR ROLLINGLANDING GEAR” by R. Griffin et al., which is incorporated in itsentirety herein by reference.

Still referring to FIG. 8 , aircraft 800 may include a pilot control812, including without limitation, a hover control, a thrust control, aninceptor stick, a cyclic, and/or a collective control. As used in thisdisclosure a “collective control” or “collective” is a mechanicalcontrol of an aircraft that allows a pilot to adjust and/or control thepitch angle of the plurality of actuators 808. For example and withoutlimitation, collective control may alter and/or adjust the pitch angleof all of the main rotor blades collectively. For example, and withoutlimitation pilot control 812 may include a yoke control. As used in thisdisclosure a “yoke control” is a mechanical control of an aircraft tocontrol the pitch and/or roll. For example and without limitation, yokecontrol may alter and/or adjust the roll angle of aircraft 800 as afunction of controlling and/or maneuvering ailerons. In an embodiment,pilot control 812 may include one or more foot-brakes, control sticks,pedals, throttle levels, and the like thereof. In another embodiment,and without limitation, pilot control 812 may be configured to control aprincipal axis of the aircraft. As used in this disclosure a “principalaxis” is an axis in a body representing one three dimensionalorientations. For example, and without limitation, principal axis ormore yaw, pitch, and/or roll axis. Principal axis may include a yawaxis. As used in this disclosure a “yaw axis” is an axis that isdirected towards the bottom of the aircraft, perpendicular to the wings.For example, and without limitation, a positive yawing motion mayinclude adjusting and/or shifting the nose of aircraft 800 to the right.Principal axis may include a pitch axis. As used in this disclosure a“pitch axis” is an axis that is directed towards the right laterallyextending wing of the aircraft. For example, and without limitation, apositive pitching motion may include adjusting and/or shifting the noseof aircraft 800 upwards. Principal axis may include a roll axis. As usedin this disclosure a “roll axis” is an axis that is directedlongitudinally towards the nose of the aircraft, parallel to thefuselage. For example, and without limitation, a positive rolling motionmay include lifting the left and lowering the right wing concurrently.

Still referring to FIG. 8 , pilot control 812 may be configured tomodify a variable pitch angle. For example, and without limitation,pilot control 812 may adjust one or more angles of attack of apropeller. As used in this disclosure an “angle of attack” is an anglebetween the chord of the propeller and the relative wind. For example,and without limitation angle of attack may include a propeller bladeangled 3.2°. In an embodiment, pilot control 812 may modify the variablepitch angle from a first angle of 2.71° to a second angle of 3.82°.Additionally or alternatively, pilot control 812 may be configured totranslate a pilot desired torque for flight component 808. For example,and without limitation, pilot control 812 may translate that a pilot'sdesired torque for a propeller be 160 lb. ft. of torque. As a furthernon-limiting example, pilot control 812 may introduce a pilot's desiredtorque for a propulsor to be 290 lb. ft. of torque. Additionaldisclosure related to pilot control 812 may be found in U.S. patentapplication Ser. Nos. 17/001,845 and 16/929,206 both of which areentitled “A HOVER AND THRUST CONTROL ASSEMBLY FOR DUAL-MODE AIRCRAFT” byC. Spiegel et al., which are incorporated in their entirety herein byreference.

Still referring to FIG. 8 , aircraft 800 may include a loading system. Aloading system may include a system configured to load an aircraft ofeither cargo or personnel. For instance, some exemplary loading systemsmay include a swing nose, which is configured to swing the nose ofaircraft 800 of the way thereby allowing direct access to a cargo baylocated behind the nose. A notable exemplary swing nose aircraft isBoeing 747. Additional disclosure related to loading systems can befound in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/137,594 entitled “SYSTEMAND METHOD FOR LOADING AND SECURING PAYLOAD IN AN AIRCRAFT” by R.Griffin et al., entirety of which in incorporated herein by reference.

Still referring to FIG. 8 , aircraft 800 may include a sensor 816.Sensor 816 may include any sensor or noise monitoring circuit describedin this disclosure. Sensor 816 may be configured to sense acharacteristic of pilot control 812. Sensor may be a device, module,and/or subsystem, utilizing any hardware, software, and/or anycombination thereof to sense a characteristic and/or changes thereof, inan instant environment, for instance without limitation a pilot control812, which the sensor is proximal to or otherwise in a sensedcommunication with, and transmit information associated with thecharacteristic, for instance without limitation digitized data. Sensor816 may be mechanically and/or communicatively coupled to aircraft 800,including, for instance, to at least a pilot control 812. Sensor 816 maybe configured to sense a characteristic associated with at least a pilotcontrol 812. An environmental sensor may include without limitation oneor more sensors used to detect ambient temperature, barometric pressure,and/or air velocity, one or more motion sensors which may includewithout limitation gyroscopes, accelerometers, inertial measurement unit(IMU), and/or magnetic sensors, one or more humidity sensors, one ormore oxygen sensors, or the like. Additionally or alternatively, sensor816 may include at least a geospatial sensor. Sensor 816 may be locatedinside an aircraft; and/or be included in and/or attached to at least aportion of the aircraft. Sensor may include one or more proximitysensors, displacement sensors, vibration sensors, and the like thereof.Sensor may be used to monitor the status of aircraft 800 for bothcritical and non-critical functions. Sensor may be incorporated intovehicle or aircraft or be remote.

Still referring to FIG. 8 , in some embodiments, sensor 816 may beconfigured to sense a characteristic associated with any pilot controldescribed in this disclosure. Non-limiting examples of a sensor 816 mayinclude an inertial measurement unit (IMU), an accelerometer, agyroscope, a proximity sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, apitot tube, an air speed sensor, a position sensor, a speed sensor, aswitch, a thermometer, a strain gauge, an acoustic sensor, and anelectrical sensor. In some cases, sensor 816 may sense a characteristicas an analog measurement, for instance, yielding a continuously variableelectrical potential indicative of the sensed characteristic. In thesecases, sensor 816 may additionally comprise an analog to digitalconverter (ADC) as well as any additionally circuitry, such as withoutlimitation a Whetstone bridge, an amplifier, a filter, and the like. Forinstance, in some cases, sensor 816 may comprise a strain gageconfigured to determine loading of one or flight components, forinstance landing gear. Strain gage may be included within a circuitcomprising a Whetstone bridge, an amplified, and a bandpass filter toprovide an analog strain measurement signal having a high signal tonoise ratio, which characterizes strain on a landing gear member. An ADCmay then digitize analog signal produces a digital signal that can thenbe transmitted other systems within aircraft 800, for instance withoutlimitation a computing system, a pilot display, and a memory component.Alternatively or additionally, sensor 816 may sense a characteristic ofa pilot control 812 digitally. For instance in some embodiments, sensor816 may sense a characteristic through a digital means or digitize asensed signal natively. In some cases, for example, sensor 816 mayinclude a rotational encoder and be configured to sense a rotationalposition of a pilot control; in this case, the rotational encoderdigitally may sense rotational “clicks” by any known method, such aswithout limitation magnetically, optically, and the like.

Still referring to FIG. 8 , electric aircraft 800 may include at least amotor 824, which may be mounted on a structural feature of the aircraft.Design of motor 824 may enable it to be installed external to structuralmember (such as a boom, nacelle, or fuselage) for easy maintenanceaccess and to minimize accessibility requirements for the structure.;this may improve structural efficiency by requiring fewer large holes inthe mounting area. In some embodiments, motor 824 may include two mainholes in top and bottom of mounting area to access bearing cartridge.Further, a structural feature may include a component of electricaircraft 800. For example, and without limitation structural feature maybe any portion of a vehicle incorporating motor 824, including anyvehicle as described in this disclosure. As a further non-limitingexample, a structural feature may include without limitation a wing, aspar, an outrigger, a fuselage, or any portion thereof; persons skilledin the art, upon reviewing the entirety of this disclosure, will beaware of many possible features that may function as at least astructural feature. At least a structural feature may be constructed ofany suitable material or combination of materials, including withoutlimitation metal such as aluminum, titanium, steel, or the like, polymermaterials or composites, fiberglass, carbon fiber, wood, or any othersuitable material. As a non-limiting example, at least a structuralfeature may be constructed from additively manufactured polymer materialwith a carbon fiber exterior; aluminum parts or other elements may beenclosed for structural strength, or for purposes of supporting, forinstance, vibration, torque or shear stresses imposed by at leastpropulsor 808. Persons skilled in the art, upon reviewing the entiretyof this disclosure, will be aware of various materials, combinations ofmaterials, and/or constructions techniques.

Still referring to FIG. 8 , electric aircraft 800 may include a verticaltakeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL). As used herein, a verticaltake-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is one that can hover, take off,and land vertically. An eVTOL, as used herein, is an electricallypowered aircraft typically using an energy source, of a plurality ofenergy sources to power the aircraft. In order to optimize the power andenergy necessary to propel the aircraft. eVTOL may be capable ofrotor-based cruising flight, rotor-based takeoff, rotor-based landing,fixed-wing cruising flight, airplane-style takeoff, airplane-stylelanding, and/or any combination thereof. Rotor-based flight, asdescribed herein, is where the aircraft generated lift and propulsion byway of one or more powered rotors coupled with an engine, such as a“quad copter,” multi-rotor helicopter, or other vehicle that maintainsits lift primarily using downward thrusting propulsors. Fixed-wingflight, as described herein, is where the aircraft is capable of flightusing wings and/or foils that generate life caused by the aircraft'sforward airspeed and the shape of the wings and/or foils, such asairplane-style flight.

With continued reference to FIG. 8 , a number of aerodynamic forces mayact upon the electric aircraft 800 during flight. Forces acting onelectric aircraft 800 during flight may include, without limitation,thrust, the forward force produced by the rotating element of theelectric aircraft 800 and acts parallel to the longitudinal axis.Another force acting upon electric aircraft 800 may be, withoutlimitation, drag, which may be defined as a rearward retarding forcewhich is caused by disruption of airflow by any protruding surface ofthe electric aircraft 800 such as, without limitation, the wing, rotor,and fuselage. Drag may oppose thrust and acts rearward parallel to therelative wind. A further force acting upon electric aircraft 800 mayinclude, without limitation, weight, which may include a combined loadof the electric aircraft 800 itself, crew, baggage, and/or fuel. Weightmay pull electric aircraft 800 downward due to the force of gravity. Anadditional force acting on electric aircraft 800 may include, withoutlimitation, lift, which may act to oppose the downward force of weightand may be produced by the dynamic effect of air acting on the airfoiland/or downward thrust from the propulsor 808 of the electric aircraft.Lift generated by the airfoil may depend on speed of airflow, density ofair, total area of an airfoil and/or segment thereof, and/or an angle ofattack between air and the airfoil. For example, and without limitation,electric aircraft 800 are designed to be as lightweight as possible.Reducing the weight of the aircraft and designing to reduce the numberof components is essential to optimize the weight. To save energy, itmay be useful to reduce weight of components of electric aircraft 800,including without limitation propulsors and/or propulsion assemblies. Inan embodiment, motor 824 may eliminate need for many external structuralfeatures that otherwise might be needed to join one component to anothercomponent. Motor 824 may also increase energy efficiency by enabling alower physical propulsor profile, reducing drag and/or wind resistance.This may also increase durability by lessening the extent to which dragand/or wind resistance add to forces acting on electric aircraft 800and/or propulsors.

Now referring to FIG. 9 , an exemplary embodiment 900 of a flightcontroller 904 is illustrated. As used in this disclosure a “flightcontroller” is a computing device of a plurality of computing devicesdedicated to data storage, security, distribution of traffic for loadbalancing, and flight instruction. Flight controller 904 may includeand/or communicate with any computing device as described in thisdisclosure, including without limitation a microcontroller,microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP) and/or system on a chip(SoC) as described in this disclosure. Further, flight controller 904may include a single computing device operating independently, or mayinclude two or more computing device operating in concert, in parallel,sequentially or the like; two or more computing devices may be includedtogether in a single computing device or in two or more computingdevices. In embodiments, flight controller 904 may be installed in anaircraft, may control the aircraft remotely, and/or may include anelement installed in the aircraft and a remote element in communicationtherewith.

In an embodiment, and still referring to FIG. 9 , flight controller 904may include a signal transformation component 908. As used in thisdisclosure a “signal transformation component” is a component thattransforms and/or converts a first signal to a second signal, wherein asignal may include one or more digital and/or analog signals. Forexample, and without limitation, signal transformation component 908 maybe configured to perform one or more operations such as preprocessing,lexical analysis, parsing, semantic analysis, and the like thereof. Inan embodiment, and without limitation, signal transformation component908 may include one or more analog-to-digital convertors that transforma first signal of an analog signal to a second signal of a digitalsignal. For example, and without limitation, an analog-to-digitalconverter may convert an analog input signal to a 10-bit binary digitalrepresentation of that signal. In another embodiment, signaltransformation component 908 may include transforming one or morelow-level languages such as, but not limited to, machine languagesand/or assembly languages. For example, and without limitation, signaltransformation component 908 may include transforming a binary languagesignal to an assembly language signal. In an embodiment, and withoutlimitation, signal transformation component 908 may include transformingone or more high-level languages and/or formal languages such as but notlimited to alphabets, strings, and/or languages. For example, andwithout limitation, high-level languages may include one or more systemlanguages, scripting languages, domain-specific languages, visuallanguages, esoteric languages, and the like thereof. As a furthernon-limiting example, high-level languages may include one or morealgebraic formula languages, business data languages, string and listlanguages, object-oriented languages, and the like thereof.

Still referring to FIG. 9 , signal transformation component 908 may beconfigured to optimize an intermediate representation 912. As used inthis disclosure an “intermediate representation” is a data structureand/or code that represents the input signal. Signal transformationcomponent 908 may optimize intermediate representation as a function ofa data-flow analysis, dependence analysis, alias analysis, pointeranalysis, escape analysis, and the like thereof. In an embodiment, andwithout limitation, signal transformation component 908 may optimizeintermediate representation 912 as a function of one or more inlineexpansions, dead code eliminations, constant propagation, looptransformations, and/or automatic parallelization functions. In anotherembodiment, signal transformation component 908 may optimizeintermediate representation as a function of a machine dependentoptimization such as a peephole optimization, wherein a peepholeoptimization may rewrite short sequences of code into more efficientsequences of code. Signal transformation component 908 may optimizeintermediate representation to generate an output language, wherein an“output language,” as used herein, is the native machine language offlight controller 904. For example, and without limitation, nativemachine language may include one or more binary and/or numericallanguages.

Still referring to FIG. 9 , in an embodiment, and without limitation,signal transformation component 908 may include transform one or moreinputs and outputs as a function of an error correction code. An errorcorrection code, also known as error correcting code (ECC), is anencoding of a message or lot of data using redundant information,permitting recovery of corrupted data. An ECC may include a block code,in which information is encoded on fixed-size packets and/or blocks ofdata elements such as symbols of predetermined size, bits, or the like.Reed-Solomon coding, in which message symbols within a symbol set havingq symbols are encoded as coefficients of a polynomial of degree lessthan or equal to a natural number k, over a finite field F with qelements; strings so encoded have a minimum hamming distance of k+1, andpermit correction of (q−k−1)/2 erroneous symbols. Block code mayalternatively or additionally be implemented using Golay coding, alsoknown as binary Golay coding, Bose-Chaudhuri, Hocquenghuem (BCH) coding,multidimensional parity-check coding, and/or Hamming codes. An ECC mayalternatively or additionally be based on a convolutional code.

In an embodiment, and still referring to FIG. 9 , flight controller 904may include a reconfigurable hardware platform 916. A “reconfigurablehardware platform,” as used herein, is a component and/or unit ofhardware that may be reprogrammed, such that, for instance, a data pathbetween elements such as logic gates or other digital circuit elementsmay be modified to change an algorithm, state, logical sequence, or thelike of the component and/or unit. This may be accomplished with suchflexible high-speed computing fabrics as field-programmable gate arrays(FPGAs), which may include a grid of interconnected logic gates,connections between which may be severed and/or restored to program inmodified logic. Reconfigurable hardware platform 916 may be reconfiguredto enact any algorithm and/or algorithm selection process received fromanother computing device and/or created using machine-learningprocesses.

Still referring to FIG. 9 , reconfigurable hardware platform 916 mayinclude a logic component 920. As used in this disclosure a “logiccomponent” is a component that executes instructions on output language.For example, and without limitation, logic component may perform basicarithmetic, logic, controlling, input/output operations, and the likethereof. Logic component 920 may include any suitable processor, such aswithout limitation a component incorporating logical circuitry forperforming arithmetic and logical operations, such as an arithmetic andlogic unit (ALU), which may be regulated with a state machine anddirected by operational inputs from memory and/or sensors; logiccomponent 920 may be organized according to Von Neumann and/or Harvardarchitecture as a non-limiting example. Logic component 920 may include,incorporate, and/or be incorporated in, without limitation, amicrocontroller, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), FieldProgrammable Gate Array (FPGA), Complex Programmable Logic Device(CPLD), Graphical Processing Unit (GPU), general purpose GPU, TensorProcessing Unit (TPU), analog or mixed signal processor, TrustedPlatform Module (TPM), a floating-point unit (FPU), and/or system on achip (SoC). In an embodiment, logic component 920 may include one ormore integrated circuit microprocessors, which may contain one or morecentral processing units, central processors, and/or main processors, ona single metal-oxide-semiconductor chip. Logic component 920 may beconfigured to execute a sequence of stored instructions to be performedon the output language and/or intermediate representation 912. Logiccomponent 920 may be configured to fetch and/or retrieve the instructionfrom a memory cache, wherein a “memory cache,” as used in thisdisclosure, is a stored instruction set on flight controller 904. Logiccomponent 920 may be configured to decode the instruction retrieved fromthe memory cache to opcodes and/or operands. Logic component 920 may beconfigured to execute the instruction on intermediate representation 912and/or output language. For example, and without limitation, logiccomponent 920 may be configured to execute an addition operation onintermediate representation 912 and/or output language.

Still referring to FIG. 9 , in an embodiment, and without limitation,logic component 920 may be configured to calculate a flight element 924.As used in this disclosure a “flight element” is an element of datumdenoting a relative status of aircraft. For example, and withoutlimitation, flight element 924 may denote one or more torques, thrusts,airspeed velocities, forces, altitudes, groundspeed velocities,directions during flight, directions facing, forces, orientations, andthe like thereof. For example, and without limitation, flight element924 may denote that aircraft is cruising at an altitude and/or with asufficient magnitude of forward thrust. As a further non-limitingexample, flight status may denote that is building thrust and/orgroundspeed velocity in preparation for a takeoff. As a furthernon-limiting example, flight element 924 may denote that aircraft isfollowing a flight path accurately and/or sufficiently.

Still referring to FIG. 9 , flight controller 904 may include a chipsetcomponent 928. As used in this disclosure a “chipset component” is acomponent that manages data flow. In an embodiment, and withoutlimitation, chipset component 928 may include a northbridge data flowpath, wherein the northbridge dataflow path may manage data flow fromlogic component 920 to a high-speed device and/or component, such as aRAM, graphics controller, and the like thereof. In another embodiment,and without limitation, chipset component 928 may include a southbridgedata flow path, wherein the southbridge dataflow path may manage dataflow from logic component 920 to lower-speed peripheral buses, such as aperipheral component interconnect (PCI), industry standard architecture(ICA), and the like thereof. In an embodiment, and without limitation,southbridge data flow path may include managing data flow betweenperipheral connections such as ethernet, USB, audio devices, and thelike thereof. Additionally or alternatively, chipset component 928 maymanage data flow between logic component 920, memory cache, and a flightcomponent 932. As used in this disclosure a “flight component” is aportion of an aircraft that can be moved or adjusted to affect one ormore flight elements. For example, flight component 932 may include acomponent used to affect the aircrafts' roll and pitch which maycomprise one or more ailerons. As a further example, flight component932 may include a rudder to control yaw of an aircraft. In anembodiment, chipset component 928 may be configured to communicate witha plurality of flight components as a function of flight element 924.For example, and without limitation, chipset component 928 may transmitto an aircraft rotor to reduce torque of a first lift propulsor andincrease the forward thrust produced by a pusher component to perform aflight maneuver.

In an embodiment, and still referring to FIG. 9 , flight controller 904may be configured generate an autonomous function. As used in thisdisclosure an “autonomous function” is a mode and/or function of flightcontroller 904 that controls aircraft automatically. For example, andwithout limitation, autonomous function may perform one or more aircraftmaneuvers, take offs, landings, altitude adjustments, flight levelingadjustments, turns, climbs, and/or descents. As a further non-limitingexample, autonomous function may adjust one or more airspeed velocities,thrusts, torques, and/or groundspeed velocities. As a furthernon-limiting example, autonomous function may perform one or more flightpath corrections and/or flight path modifications as a function offlight element 924. In an embodiment, autonomous function may includeone or more modes of autonomy such as, but not limited to, autonomousmode, semi-autonomous mode, and/or non-autonomous mode. As used in thisdisclosure “autonomous mode” is a mode that automatically adjusts and/orcontrols aircraft and/or the maneuvers of aircraft in its entirety. Forexample, autonomous mode may denote that flight controller 904 willadjust the aircraft. As used in this disclosure a “semi-autonomous mode”is a mode that automatically adjusts and/or controls a portion and/orsection of aircraft. For example, and without limitation,semi-autonomous mode may denote that a pilot will control thepropulsors, wherein flight controller 904 will control the aileronsand/or rudders. As used in this disclosure “non-autonomous mode” is amode that denotes a pilot will control aircraft and/or maneuvers ofaircraft in its entirety.

In an embodiment, and still referring to FIG. 9 , flight controller 904may generate autonomous function as a function of an autonomousmachine-learning model. As used in this disclosure an “autonomousmachine-learning model” is a machine-learning model to produce anautonomous function output given flight element 924 and a pilot signal936 as inputs; this is in contrast to a non-machine learning softwareprogram where the commands to be executed are determined in advance by auser and written in a programming language. As used in this disclosure a“pilot signal” is an element of datum representing one or more functionsa pilot is controlling and/or adjusting. For example, pilot signal 936may denote that a pilot is controlling and/or maneuvering ailerons,wherein the pilot is not in control of the rudders and/or propulsors. Inan embodiment, pilot signal 936 may include an implicit signal and/or anexplicit signal. For example, and without limitation, pilot signal 936may include an explicit signal, wherein the pilot explicitly statesthere is a lack of control and/or desire for autonomous function. As afurther non-limiting example, pilot signal 936 may include an explicitsignal directing flight controller 904 to control and/or maintain aportion of aircraft, a portion of the flight plan, the entire aircraft,and/or the entire flight plan. As a further non-limiting example, pilotsignal 936 may include an implicit signal, wherein flight controller 904detects a lack of control such as by a malfunction, torque alteration,flight path deviation, and the like thereof. In an embodiment, andwithout limitation, pilot signal 936 may include one or more explicitsignals to reduce torque, and/or one or more implicit signals thattorque may be reduced due to reduction of airspeed velocity. In anembodiment, and without limitation, pilot signal 936 may include one ormore local and/or global signals. For example, and without limitation,pilot signal 936 may include a local signal that is transmitted by apilot and/or crew member. As a further non-limiting example, pilotsignal 936 may include a global signal that is transmitted by airtraffic control and/or one or more remote users that are incommunication with the pilot of aircraft. In an embodiment, pilot signal936 may be received as a function of a tri-state bus and/or multiplexorthat denotes an explicit pilot signal should be transmitted prior to anyimplicit or global pilot signal.

Still referring to FIG. 9 , autonomous machine-learning model mayinclude one or more autonomous machine-learning processes such assupervised, unsupervised, or reinforcement machine-learning processesthat flight controller 904 and/or a remote device may or may not use inthe generation of autonomous function. As used in this disclosure“remote device” is an external device to flight controller 904.Additionally or alternatively, autonomous machine-learning model mayinclude one or more autonomous machine-learning processes that afield-programmable gate array (FPGA) may or may not use in thegeneration of autonomous function. Autonomous machine-learning processmay include, without limitation machine learning processes such assimple linear regression, multiple linear regression, polynomialregression, support vector regression, ridge regression, lassoregression, elasticnet regression, decision tree regression, randomforest regression, logistic regression, logistic classification,K-nearest neighbors, support vector machines, kernel support vectormachines, naïve bayes, decision tree classification, random forestclassification, K-means clustering, hierarchical clustering,dimensionality reduction, principal component analysis, lineardiscriminant analysis, kernel principal component analysis, Q-learning,State Action Reward State Action (SARSA), Deep-Q network, Markovdecision processes, Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG), or thelike thereof.

In an embodiment, and still referring to FIG. 9 , autonomous machinelearning model may be trained as a function of autonomous training data,wherein autonomous training data may correlate a flight element, pilotsignal, and/or simulation data to an autonomous function. For example,and without limitation, a flight element of an airspeed velocity, apilot signal of limited and/or no control of propulsors, and asimulation data of required airspeed velocity to reach the destinationmay result in an autonomous function that includes a semi-autonomousmode to increase thrust of the propulsors. Autonomous training data maybe received as a function of user-entered valuations of flight elements,pilot signals, simulation data, and/or autonomous functions. Flightcontroller 904 may receive autonomous training data by receivingcorrelations of flight element, pilot signal, and/or simulation data toan autonomous function that were previously received and/or determinedduring a previous iteration of generation of autonomous function.Autonomous training data may be received by one or more remote devicesand/or FPGAs that at least correlate a flight element, pilot signal,and/or simulation data to an autonomous function. Autonomous trainingdata may be received in the form of one or more user-enteredcorrelations of a flight element, pilot signal, and/or simulation datato an autonomous function.

Still referring to FIG. 9 , flight controller 904 may receive autonomousmachine-learning model from a remote device and/or FPGA that utilizesone or more autonomous machine learning processes, wherein a remotedevice and an FPGA is described above in detail. For example, andwithout limitation, a remote device may include a computing device,external device, processor, FPGA, microprocessor and the like thereof.Remote device and/or FPGA may perform the autonomous machine-learningprocess using autonomous training data to generate autonomous functionand transmit the output to flight controller 904. Remote device and/orFPGA may transmit a signal, bit, datum, or parameter to flightcontroller 904 that at least relates to autonomous function.Additionally or alternatively, the remote device and/or FPGA may providean updated machine-learning model. For example, and without limitation,an updated machine-learning model may be comprised of a firmware update,a software update, an autonomous machine-learning process correction,and the like thereof. As a non-limiting example a software update mayincorporate a new simulation data that relates to a modified flightelement. Additionally or alternatively, the updated machine learningmodel may be transmitted to the remote device and/or FPGA, wherein theremote device and/or FPGA may replace the autonomous machine-learningmodel with the updated machine-learning model and generate theautonomous function as a function of the flight element, pilot signal,and/or simulation data using the updated machine-learning model. Theupdated machine-learning model may be transmitted by the remote deviceand/or FPGA and received by flight controller 904 as a software update,firmware update, or corrected autonomous machine-learning model. Forexample, and without limitation autonomous machine learning model mayutilize a neural net machine-learning process, wherein the updatedmachine-learning model may incorporate a gradient boostingmachine-learning process.

Still referring to FIG. 9 , flight controller 904 may include, beincluded in, and/or communicate with a mobile device such as a mobiletelephone or smartphone. Further, flight controller may communicate withone or more additional devices as described below in further detail viaa network interface device. The network interface device may be utilizedfor commutatively connecting a flight controller to one or more of avariety of networks, and one or more devices. Examples of a networkinterface device include, but are not limited to, a network interfacecard (e.g., a mobile network interface card, a LAN card), a modem, andany combination thereof. Examples of a network include, but are notlimited to, a wide area network (e.g., the Internet, an enterprisenetwork), a local area network (e.g., a network associated with anoffice, a building, a campus or other relatively small geographicspace), a telephone network, a data network associated with atelephone/voice provider (e.g., a mobile communications provider dataand/or voice network), a direct connection between two computingdevices, and any combinations thereof. The network may include anynetwork topology and can may employ a wired and/or a wireless mode ofcommunication.

In an embodiment, and still referring to FIG. 9 , flight controller 904may include, but is not limited to, for example, a cluster of flightcontrollers in a first location and a second flight controller orcluster of flight controllers in a second location. Flight controller904 may include one or more flight controllers dedicated to datastorage, security, distribution of traffic for load balancing, and thelike. Flight controller 904 may be configured to distribute one or morecomputing tasks as described below across a plurality of flightcontrollers, which may operate in parallel, in series, redundantly, orin any other manner used for distribution of tasks or memory betweencomputing devices. For example, and without limitation, flightcontroller 904 may implement a control algorithm to distribute and/orcommand the plurality of flight controllers. As used in this disclosurea “control algorithm” is a finite sequence of well-defined computerimplementable instructions that may determine the flight component ofthe plurality of flight components to be adjusted. For example, andwithout limitation, control algorithm may include one or more algorithmsthat reduce and/or prevent aviation asymmetry. As a further non-limitingexample, control algorithms may include one or more models generated asa function of a software including, but not limited to Simulink byMathWorks, Natick, Mass., USA. In an embodiment, and without limitation,control algorithm may be configured to generate an auto-code, wherein an“auto-code,” is used herein, is a code and/or algorithm that isgenerated as a function of the one or more models and/or software's. Inanother embodiment, control algorithm may be configured to produce asegmented control algorithm. As used in this disclosure a “segmentedcontrol algorithm” is control algorithm that has been separated and/orparsed into discrete sections. For example, and without limitation,segmented control algorithm may parse control algorithm into two or moresegments, wherein each segment of control algorithm may be performed byone or more flight controllers operating on distinct flight components.

In an embodiment, and still referring to FIG. 9 , control algorithm maybe configured to determine a segmentation boundary as a function ofsegmented control algorithm. As used in this disclosure a “segmentationboundary” is a limit and/or delineation associated with the segments ofthe segmented control algorithm. For example, and without limitation,segmentation boundary may denote that a segment in the control algorithmhas a first starting section and/or a first ending section. As a furthernon-limiting example, segmentation boundary may include one or moreboundaries associated with an ability of flight component 932. In anembodiment, control algorithm may be configured to create an optimizedsignal communication as a function of segmentation boundary. Forexample, and without limitation, optimized signal communication mayinclude identifying the discrete timing required to transmit and/orreceive the one or more segmentation boundaries. In an embodiment, andwithout limitation, creating optimized signal communication furthercomprises separating a plurality of signal codes across the plurality offlight controllers. For example, and without limitation the plurality offlight controllers may include one or more formal networks, whereinformal networks transmit data along an authority chain and/or arelimited to task-related communications. As a further non-limitingexample, communication network may include informal networks, whereininformal networks transmit data in any direction. In an embodiment, andwithout limitation, the plurality of flight controllers may include achain path, wherein a “chain path,” as used herein, is a linearcommunication path comprising a hierarchy that data may flow through. Inan embodiment, and without limitation, the plurality of flightcontrollers may include an all-channel path, wherein an “all-channelpath,” as used herein, is a communication path that is not restricted toa particular direction. For example, and without limitation, data may betransmitted upward, downward, laterally, and the like thereof. In anembodiment, and without limitation, the plurality of flight controllersmay include one or more neural networks that assign a weighted value toa transmitted datum. For example, and without limitation, a weightedvalue may be assigned as a function of one or more signals denoting thata flight component is malfunctioning and/or in a failure state.

Still referring to FIG. 9 , the plurality of flight controllers mayinclude a master bus controller. As used in this disclosure a “masterbus controller” is one or more devices and/or components that areconnected to a bus to initiate a direct memory access transaction,wherein a bus is one or more terminals in a bus architecture. Master buscontroller may communicate using synchronous and/or asynchronous buscontrol protocols. In an embodiment, master bus controller may includeflight controller 904. In another embodiment, master bus controller mayinclude one or more universal asynchronous receiver-transmitters (UART).For example, and without limitation, master bus controller may includeone or more bus architectures that allow a bus to initiate a directmemory access transaction from one or more buses in the busarchitectures. As a further non-limiting example, master bus controllermay include one or more peripheral devices and/or components tocommunicate with another peripheral device and/or component and/or themaster bus controller. In an embodiment, master bus controller may beconfigured to perform bus arbitration. As used in this disclosure “busarbitration” is method and/or scheme to prevent multiple buses fromattempting to communicate with and/or connect to master bus controller.For example and without limitation, bus arbitration may include one ormore schemes such as a small computer interface system, wherein a smallcomputer interface system is a set of standards for physical connectingand transferring data between peripheral devices and master buscontroller by defining commands, protocols, electrical, optical, and/orlogical interfaces. In an embodiment, master bus controller may receiveintermediate representation 912 and/or output language from logiccomponent 920, wherein output language may include one or moreanalog-to-digital conversions, low bit rate transmissions, messageencryptions, digital signals, binary signals, logic signals, analogsignals, and the like thereof described above in detail.

Still referring to FIG. 9 , master bus controller may communicate with aslave bus. As used in this disclosure a “slave bus” is one or moreperipheral devices and/or components that initiate a bus transfer. Forexample, and without limitation, slave bus may receive one or morecontrols and/or asymmetric communications from master bus controller,wherein slave bus transfers data stored to master bus controller. In anembodiment, and without limitation, slave bus may include one or moreinternal buses, such as but not limited to a/an internal data bus,memory bus, system bus, front-side bus, and the like thereof. In anotherembodiment, and without limitation, slave bus may include one or moreexternal buses such as external flight controllers, external computers,remote devices, printers, aircraft computer systems, flight controlsystems, and the like thereof.

In an embodiment, and still referring to FIG. 9 , control algorithm mayoptimize signal communication as a function of determining one or morediscrete timings. For example, and without limitation master buscontroller may synchronize timing of the segmented control algorithm byinjecting high priority timing signals on a bus of the master buscontrol. As used in this disclosure a “high priority timing signal” isinformation denoting that the information is important. For example, andwithout limitation, high priority timing signal may denote that asection of control algorithm is of high priority and should be analyzedand/or transmitted prior to any other sections being analyzed and/ortransmitted. In an embodiment, high priority timing signal may includeone or more priority packets. As used in this disclosure a “prioritypacket” is a formatted unit of data that is communicated between theplurality of flight controllers. For example, and without limitation,priority packet may denote that a section of control algorithm should beused and/or is of greater priority than other sections.

Still referring to FIG. 9 , flight controller 904 may also beimplemented using a “shared nothing” architecture in which data iscached at the worker, in an embodiment, this may enable scalability ofaircraft and/or computing device. Flight controller 904 may include adistributer flight controller. As used in this disclosure a “distributerflight controller” is a component that adjusts and/or controls aplurality of flight components as a function of a plurality of flightcontrollers. For example, distributer flight controller may include aflight controller that communicates with a plurality of additionalflight controllers and/or clusters of flight controllers. In anembodiment, distributed flight control may include one or more neuralnetworks. For example, neural network also known as an artificial neuralnetwork, is a network of “nodes,” or data structures having one or moreinputs, one or more outputs, and a function determining outputs based oninputs. Such nodes may be organized in a network, such as withoutlimitation a convolutional neural network, including an input layer ofnodes, one or more intermediate layers, and an output layer of nodes.Connections between nodes may be created via the process of “training”the network, in which elements from a training dataset are applied tothe input nodes, a suitable training algorithm (such asLevenberg-Marquardt, conjugate gradient, simulated annealing, or otheralgorithms) is then used to adjust the connections and weights betweennodes in adjacent layers of the neural network to produce the desiredvalues at the output nodes. This process is sometimes referred to asdeep learning.

Still referring to FIG. 9 , a node may include, without limitation aplurality of inputs x_(i) that may receive numerical values from inputsto a neural network containing the node and/or from other nodes. Nodemay perform a weighted sum of inputs using weights w_(i) that aremultiplied by respective inputs x_(i). Additionally or alternatively, abias b may be added to the weighted sum of the inputs such that anoffset is added to each unit in the neural network layer that isindependent of the input to the layer. The weighted sum may then beinput into a function φ, which may generate one or more outputs y.Weight w_(i) applied to an input x_(i) may indicate whether the input is“excitatory,” indicating that it has strong influence on the one or moreoutputs y, for instance by the corresponding weight having a largenumerical value, and/or a “inhibitory,” indicating it has a weak effectinfluence on the one more inputs y, for instance by the correspondingweight having a small numerical value. The values of weights w_(i) maybe determined by training a neural network using training data, whichmay be performed using any suitable process as described above. In anembodiment, and without limitation, a neural network may receivesemantic units as inputs and output vectors representing such semanticunits according to weights w_(i) that are derived using machine-learningprocesses as described in this disclosure.

Still referring to FIG. 9 , flight controller may include asub-controller 940. As used in this disclosure a “sub-controller” is acontroller and/or component that is part of a distributed controller asdescribed above; for instance, flight controller 904 may be and/orinclude a distributed flight controller made up of one or moresub-controllers. For example, and without limitation, sub-controller 940may include any controllers and/or components thereof that are similarto distributed flight controller and/or flight controller as describedabove. Sub-controller 940 may include any component of any flightcontroller as described above. Sub-controller 940 may be implemented inany manner suitable for implementation of a flight controller asdescribed above. As a further non-limiting example, sub-controller 940may include one or more processors, logic components and/or computingdevices capable of receiving, processing, and/or transmitting dataacross the distributed flight controller as described above. As afurther non-limiting example, sub-controller 940 may include acontroller that receives a signal from a first flight controller and/orfirst distributed flight controller component and transmits the signalto a plurality of additional sub-controllers and/or flight components.

Still referring to FIG. 9 , flight controller may include aco-controller 944. As used in this disclosure a “co-controller” is acontroller and/or component that joins flight controller 904 ascomponents and/or nodes of a distributer flight controller as describedabove. For example, and without limitation, co-controller 944 mayinclude one or more controllers and/or components that are similar toflight controller 904. As a further non-limiting example, co-controller944 may include any controller and/or component that joins flightcontroller 904 to distributer flight controller. As a furthernon-limiting example, co-controller 944 may include one or moreprocessors, logic components and/or computing devices capable ofreceiving, processing, and/or transmitting data to and/or from flightcontroller 904 to distributed flight control system. Co-controller 944may include any component of any flight controller as described above.Co-controller 944 may be implemented in any manner suitable forimplementation of a flight controller as described above.

In an embodiment, and with continued reference to FIG. 9 , flightcontroller 904 may be designed and/or configured to perform any method,method step, or sequence of method steps in any embodiment described inthis disclosure, in any order and with any degree of repetition. Forinstance, flight controller 904 may be configured to perform a singlestep or sequence repeatedly until a desired or commanded outcome isachieved; repetition of a step or a sequence of steps may be performediteratively and/or recursively using outputs of previous repetitions asinputs to subsequent repetitions, aggregating inputs and/or outputs ofrepetitions to produce an aggregate result, reduction or decrement ofone or more variables such as global variables, and/or division of alarger processing task into a set of iteratively addressed smallerprocessing tasks. Flight controller may perform any step or sequence ofsteps as described in this disclosure in parallel, such assimultaneously and/or substantially simultaneously performing a step twoor more times using two or more parallel threads, processor cores, orthe like; division of tasks between parallel threads and/or processesmay be performed according to any protocol suitable for division oftasks between iterations. Persons skilled in the art, upon reviewing theentirety of this disclosure, will be aware of various ways in whichsteps, sequences of steps, processing tasks, and/or data may besubdivided, shared, or otherwise dealt with using iteration, recursion,and/or parallel processing.

Referring now to FIG. 10 , an exemplary embodiment of a machine-learningmodule 1000 that may perform one or more machine-learning processes asdescribed in this disclosure is illustrated. Machine-learning module mayperform determinations, classification, and/or analysis steps, methods,processes, or the like as described in this disclosure using machinelearning processes. A “machine learning process,” as used in thisdisclosure, is a process that automatedly uses training data 1004 togenerate an algorithm that will be performed by a computingdevice/module to produce outputs 1008 given data provided as inputs1012; this is in contrast to a non-machine learning software programwhere the commands to be executed are determined in advance by a userand written in a programming language.

Still referring to FIG. 10 , “training data,” as used herein, is datacontaining correlations that a machine-learning process may use to modelrelationships between two or more categories of data elements. Forinstance, and without limitation, training data 1004 may include aplurality of data entries, each entry representing a set of dataelements that were recorded, received, and/or generated together; dataelements may be correlated by shared existence in a given data entry, byproximity in a given data entry, or the like. Multiple data entries intraining data 1004 may evince one or more trends in correlations betweencategories of data elements; for instance, and without limitation, ahigher value of a first data element belonging to a first category ofdata element may tend to correlate to a higher value of a second dataelement belonging to a second category of data element, indicating apossible proportional or other mathematical relationship linking valuesbelonging to the two categories. Multiple categories of data elementsmay be related in training data 1004 according to various correlations;correlations may indicate causative and/or predictive links betweencategories of data elements, which may be modeled as relationships suchas mathematical relationships by machine-learning processes as describedin further detail below. Training data 1004 may be formatted and/ororganized by categories of data elements, for instance by associatingdata elements with one or more descriptors corresponding to categoriesof data elements. As a non-limiting example, training data 1004 mayinclude data entered in standardized forms by persons or processes, suchthat entry of a given data element in a given field in a form may bemapped to one or more descriptors of categories. Elements in trainingdata 1004 may be linked to descriptors of categories by tags, tokens, orother data elements; for instance, and without limitation, training data1004 may be provided in fixed-length formats, formats linking positionsof data to categories such as comma-separated value (CSV) formats and/orself-describing formats such as extensible markup language (XML),JavaScript Object Notation (JSON), or the like, enabling processes ordevices to detect categories of data.

Alternatively or additionally, and continuing to refer to FIG. 10 ,training data 1004 may include one or more elements that are notcategorized; that is, training data 1004 may not be formatted or containdescriptors for some elements of data. Machine-learning algorithmsand/or other processes may sort training data 1004 according to one ormore categorizations using, for instance, natural language processingalgorithms, tokenization, detection of correlated values in raw data andthe like; categories may be generated using correlation and/or otherprocessing algorithms. As a non-limiting example, in a corpus of text,phrases making up a number “n” of compound words, such as nouns modifiedby other nouns, may be identified according to a statisticallysignificant prevalence of n-grams containing such words in a particularorder; such an n-gram may be categorized as an element of language suchas a “word” to be tracked similarly to single words, generating a newcategory as a result of statistical analysis. Similarly, in a data entryincluding some textual data, a person's name may be identified byreference to a list, dictionary, or other compendium of terms,permitting ad-hoc categorization by machine-learning algorithms, and/orautomated association of data in the data entry with descriptors or intoa given format. The ability to categorize data entries automatedly mayenable the same training data 1004 to be made applicable for two or moredistinct machine-learning algorithms as described in further detailbelow. Training data 1004 used by machine-learning module 1000 maycorrelate any input data as described in this disclosure to any outputdata as described in this disclosure. As a non-limiting illustrativeexample flight elements and/or pilot signals may be inputs, wherein anoutput may be an autonomous function.

Further referring to FIG. 10 , training data may be filtered, sorted,and/or selected using one or more supervised and/or unsupervisedmachine-learning processes and/or models as described in further detailbelow; such models may include without limitation a training dataclassifier 1016. Training data classifier 1016 may include a“classifier,” which as used in this disclosure is a machine-learningmodel as defined below, such as a mathematical model, neural net, orprogram generated by a machine learning algorithm known as a“classification algorithm,” as described in further detail below, thatsorts inputs into categories or bins of data, outputting the categoriesor bins of data and/or labels associated therewith. A classifier may beconfigured to output at least a datum that labels or otherwiseidentifies a set of data that are clustered together, found to be closeunder a distance metric as described below, or the like.Machine-learning module 1000 may generate a classifier using aclassification algorithm, defined as a processes whereby a computingdevice and/or any module and/or component operating thereon derives aclassifier from training data 1004. Classification may be performedusing, without limitation, linear classifiers such as without limitationlogistic regression and/or naive Bayes classifiers, nearest neighborclassifiers such as k-nearest neighbors classifiers, support vectormachines, least squares support vector machines, fisher's lineardiscriminant, quadratic classifiers, decision trees, boosted trees,random forest classifiers, learning vector quantization, and/or neuralnetwork-based classifiers. As a non-limiting example, training dataclassifier 1016 may classify elements of training data to sub-categoriesof flight elements such as torques, forces, thrusts, directions, and thelike thereof.

Still referring to FIG. 10 , machine-learning module 1000 may beconfigured to perform a lazy-learning process 1020 and/or protocol,which may alternatively be referred to as a “lazy loading” or“call-when-needed” process and/or protocol, may be a process wherebymachine learning is conducted upon receipt of an input to be convertedto an output, by combining the input and training set to derive thealgorithm to be used to produce the output on demand. For instance, aninitial set of simulations may be performed to cover an initialheuristic and/or “first guess” at an output and/or relationship. As anon-limiting example, an initial heuristic may include a ranking ofassociations between inputs and elements of training data 1004.Heuristic may include selecting some number of highest-rankingassociations and/or training data 1004 elements. Lazy learning mayimplement any suitable lazy learning algorithm, including withoutlimitation a K-nearest neighbors algorithm, a lazy naïve Bayesalgorithm, or the like; persons skilled in the art, upon reviewing theentirety of this disclosure, will be aware of various lazy-learningalgorithms that may be applied to generate outputs as described in thisdisclosure, including without limitation lazy learning applications ofmachine-learning algorithms as described in further detail below.

Alternatively or additionally, and with continued reference to FIG. 10 ,machine-learning processes as described in this disclosure may be usedto generate machine-learning models 1024. A “machine-learning model,” asused in this disclosure, is a mathematical and/or algorithmicrepresentation of a relationship between inputs and outputs, asgenerated using any machine-learning process including withoutlimitation any process as described above and stored in memory; an inputis submitted to a machine-learning model 1024 once created, whichgenerates an output based on the relationship that was derived. Forinstance, and without limitation, a linear regression model, generatedusing a linear regression algorithm, may compute a linear combination ofinput data using coefficients derived during machine-learning processesto calculate an output datum. As a further non-limiting example, amachine-learning model 1024 may be generated by creating an artificialneural network, such as a convolutional neural network comprising aninput layer of nodes, one or more intermediate layers, and an outputlayer of nodes. Connections between nodes may be created via the processof “training” the network, in which elements from a training data 1004set are applied to the input nodes, a suitable training algorithm (suchas Levenberg-Marquardt, conjugate gradient, simulated annealing, orother algorithms) is then used to adjust the connections and weightsbetween nodes in adjacent layers of the neural network to produce thedesired values at the output nodes. This process is sometimes referredto as deep learning.

Still referring to FIG. 10 , machine-learning algorithms may include atleast a supervised machine-learning process 1028. At least a supervisedmachine-learning process 1028, as defined herein, include algorithmsthat receive a training set relating a number of inputs to a number ofoutputs, and seek to find one or more mathematical relations relatinginputs to outputs, where each of the one or more mathematical relationsis optimal according to some criterion specified to the algorithm usingsome scoring function. For instance, a supervised learning algorithm mayinclude flight elements and/or pilot signals as described above asinputs, autonomous functions as outputs, and a scoring functionrepresenting a desired form of relationship to be detected betweeninputs and outputs; scoring function may, for instance, seek to maximizethe probability that a given input and/or combination of elements inputsis associated with a given output to minimize the probability that agiven input is not associated with a given output. Scoring function maybe expressed as a risk function representing an “expected loss” of analgorithm relating inputs to outputs, where loss is computed as an errorfunction representing a degree to which a prediction generated by therelation is incorrect when compared to a given input-output pairprovided in training data 1004. Persons skilled in the art, uponreviewing the entirety of this disclosure, will be aware of variouspossible variations of at least a supervised machine-learning process1028 that may be used to determine relation between inputs and outputs.Supervised machine-learning processes may include classificationalgorithms as defined above.

Further referring to FIG. 10 , machine learning processes may include atleast an unsupervised machine-learning processes 1032. An unsupervisedmachine-learning process, as used herein, is a process that derivesinferences in datasets without regard to labels; as a result, anunsupervised machine-learning process may be free to discover anystructure, relationship, and/or correlation provided in the data.Unsupervised processes may not require a response variable; unsupervisedprocesses may be used to find interesting patterns and/or inferencesbetween variables, to determine a degree of correlation between two ormore variables, or the like.

Still referring to FIG. 10 , machine-learning module 1000 may bedesigned and configured to create a machine-learning model 1024 usingtechniques for development of linear regression models. Linearregression models may include ordinary least squares regression, whichaims to minimize the square of the difference between predicted outcomesand actual outcomes according to an appropriate norm for measuring sucha difference (e.g. a vector-space distance norm); coefficients of theresulting linear equation may be modified to improve minimization.Linear regression models may include ridge regression methods, where thefunction to be minimized includes the least-squares function plus termmultiplying the square of each coefficient by a scalar amount topenalize large coefficients. Linear regression models may include leastabsolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) models, in which ridgeregression is combined with multiplying the least-squares term by afactor of 1 divided by double the number of samples. Linear regressionmodels may include a multi-task lasso model wherein the norm applied inthe least-squares term of the lasso model is the Frobenius normamounting to the square root of the sum of squares of all terms. Linearregression models may include the elastic net model, a multi-taskelastic net model, a least angle regression model, a LARS lasso model,an orthogonal matching pursuit model, a Bayesian regression model, alogistic regression model, a stochastic gradient descent model, aperceptron model, a passive aggressive algorithm, a robustnessregression model, a Huber regression model, or any other suitable modelthat may occur to persons skilled in the art upon reviewing the entiretyof this disclosure. Linear regression models may be generalized in anembodiment to polynomial regression models, whereby a polynomialequation (e.g. a quadratic, cubic or higher-order equation) providing abest predicted output/actual output fit is sought; similar methods tothose described above may be applied to minimize error functions, aswill be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reviewing theentirety of this disclosure.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 10 , machine-learning algorithms mayinclude, without limitation, linear discriminant analysis.Machine-learning algorithm may include quadratic discriminate analysis.Machine-learning algorithms may include kernel ridge regression.Machine-learning algorithms may include support vector machines,including without limitation support vector classification-basedregression processes. Machine-learning algorithms may include stochasticgradient descent algorithms, including classification and regressionalgorithms based on stochastic gradient descent. Machine-learningalgorithms may include nearest neighbors algorithms. Machine-learningalgorithms may include Gaussian processes such as Gaussian ProcessRegression. Machine-learning algorithms may include cross-decompositionalgorithms, including partial least squares and/or canonical correlationanalysis. Machine-learning algorithms may include naïve Bayes methods.Machine-learning algorithms may include algorithms based on decisiontrees, such as decision tree classification or regression algorithms.Machine-learning algorithms may include ensemble methods such as baggingmeta-estimator, forest of randomized tress, AdaBoost, gradient treeboosting, and/or voting classifier methods. Machine-learning algorithmsmay include neural net algorithms, including convolutional neural netprocesses.

Referring now to FIG. 11 , an exemplary method 1100 of charging, using aconnector, an electric vehicle is illustrated. At step 1105, a connectoris provided. A connector may include a coupling mechanism. A couplingmechanism may be configured to mate with an electric vehicle port of anelectric vehicle. A coupling mechanism may include a fastener. Afastener may be configured to allow a removeable attachment of acoupling mechanism to an electric vehicle port. In some embodiments, aconnector may include a direct current conductor. A direct currentconductor may be configured to supply a direct current to an electricvehicle. In some embodiments, a connector may include a power supplycircuit. A power supply circuit may be configured to regulate a directcurrent supplied to an electric vehicle. In some embodiments, a powersupply circuit may be configured to regulate a direct current suppliedto an electric vehicle as a function of a power threshold. Charging anelectric vehicle using a connector may be as described in FIG. 1 .

Still referring to FIG. 11 , at step 1110, a connector is connected toan electric vehicle via a coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, acoupling mechanism may include a male connector. In some embodiments, acoupling mechanism may include a female connector. In some embodiments,a coupling mechanism may include magnets. In some embodiments, acoupling mechanism may be configured to provide an electricalcommunication between a connector and an electric vehicle. In someembodiments, a connector may connect to a side surface of an electricvehicle. In some embodiments, a connector may connect to a top surfaceof an electric vehicle. In some embodiments, a connector may connect toa rear surface of an electric vehicle. In some embodiments, a connectormay connect to a bottom surface of an electric vehicle. A couplingmechanism may be as described in FIG. 1 .

Still referring to FIG. 11 , at step 1115, a plurality of charging datais communicated to an electric vehicle via a connector. A plurality ofcharging data may be communicated to an electric vehicle through a wiredconnection of a connector. In some embodiments, a plurality of chargingdata may be communicated to an electric vehicle wirelessly. In someembodiments, an electric vehicle may initiate a communication to aconnector. In some embodiments, a plurality of charging data mayinclude, but is not limited to, voltage levels, current levels, powerlevels, power level thresholds, and/or charging times. A plurality ofcharging data may be as described in FIG. 1 .

Still referring to FIG. 11 , at step 1120, an electric vehicle ischarged through a connector. A charging of an electric vehicle mayinclude a connector providing a current to an electric vehicle. Acharging of an electric vehicle may include a connector providing avoltage to an electric vehicle. A charging of an electric vehicle mayinclude delivering power to a battery of an electric vehicle. Anelectric vehicle may be charged as described in FIG. 1 .

Still referring to FIG. 11 , at step 1125, a charging of an electricvehicle is monitored via a connector. A connector may monitor a chargingof an electric vehicle through a power supply circuit. In someembodiments, a connector may monitor a charging of an electric vehiclethrough a sensor suite. Monitoring may include, but is not limited to,sensing a voltage, current, power output, power input, temperatureand/or resistance. In some embodiments, a feedback signal of a powersupply circuit of a connector may be generated. A feedback signal mayinclude data about a charging of an electric vehicle. A connector mayuse a feedback signal to actively update a voltage, current, and/orpower deliver to an electric vehicle as a function of a feedback signal.Charging of an electric vehicle may be as described in FIG. 1 .

Exemplary embodiments may be further understood without limitation, withreference to the table below.

Min. Max. Nom. Electrical charging 1 KW 200 KW 20 KW current power (AC)Electrical charging 10 Amps 450 Amps 80 Amps current (AC) Electricalcharging 1 KW 250 KW 25 KW current power (DC) Electrical charging 10Amps 500 Amps 50 Amps current (DC) Battery acceptable −30° C. +50° C. 0°C. temperature change during charging Conductor acceptable −30° C. +50°C. 0° C. temperature change during charging Connector-Port mating MatedFirst: proximity contact, isolation monitor contacts. sequence MatedLast: AC conductor, DC conductor, control signal. Conductor materialsCopper, copper-alloys, noble metals, non-noble metals, carbon, diamond,graphite, platinum group metals, and the like. Conductor coatingsCopper, copper-alloys, noble metals, non-noble metals, carbon, diamond,graphite, hard gold, hard gold flashed palladium-nickel (e.g., 80/20),tin, silver, diamond-like carbon, platinum-group metals, and the like.

It is to be noted that any one or more of the aspects and embodimentsdescribed herein may be conveniently implemented using one or moremachines (e.g., one or more computing devices that are utilized as auser computing device for an electronic document, one or more serverdevices, such as a document server, etc.) programmed according to theteachings of the present specification, as will be apparent to those ofordinary skill in the computer art. Appropriate software coding canreadily be prepared by skilled programmers based on the teachings of thepresent disclosure, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe software art. Aspects and implementations discussed above employingsoftware and/or software modules may also include appropriate hardwarefor assisting in the implementation of the machine executableinstructions of the software and/or software module.

Such software may be a computer program product that employs amachine-readable storage medium. A machine-readable storage medium maybe any medium that is capable of storing and/or encoding a sequence ofinstructions for execution by a machine (e.g., a computing device) andthat causes the machine to perform any one of the methodologies and/orembodiments described herein. Examples of a machine-readable storagemedium include, but are not limited to, a magnetic disk, an optical disc(e.g., CD, CD-R, DVD, DVD-R, etc.), a magneto-optical disk, a read-onlymemory “ROM” device, a random-access memory “RAM” device, a magneticcard, an optical card, a solid-state memory device, an EPROM, an EEPROM,and any combinations thereof. A machine-readable medium, as used herein,is intended to include a single medium as well as a collection ofphysically separate media, such as, for example, a collection of compactdiscs or one or more hard disk drives in combination with a computermemory. As used herein, a machine-readable storage medium does notinclude transitory forms of signal transmission.

Such software may also include information (e.g., data) carried as adata signal on a data carrier, such as a carrier wave. For example,machine-executable information may be included as a data-carrying signalembodied in a data carrier in which the signal encodes a sequence ofinstruction, or portion thereof, for execution by a machine (e.g., acomputing device) and any related information (e.g., data structures anddata) that causes the machine to perform any one of the methodologiesand/or embodiments described herein.

Examples of a computing device include, but are not limited to, anelectronic book reading device, a computer workstation, a terminalcomputer, a server computer, a handheld device (e.g., a tablet computer,a smartphone, etc.), a web appliance, a network router, a networkswitch, a network bridge, any machine capable of executing a sequence ofinstructions that specify an action to be taken by that machine, and anycombinations thereof. In one example, a computing device may includeand/or be included in a kiosk.

FIG. 12 shows a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of acomputing device in the exemplary form of a computer system 1200 withinwhich a set of instructions for causing a control system to perform anyone or more of the aspects and/or methodologies of the presentdisclosure may be executed. It is also contemplated that multiplecomputing devices may be utilized to implement a specially configuredset of instructions for causing one or more of the devices to performany one or more of the aspects and/or methodologies of the presentdisclosure. Computer system 1200 includes a processor 1204 and a memory1208 that communicate with each other, and with other components, via abus 1212. Bus 1212 may include any of several types of bus structuresincluding, but not limited to, a memory bus, a memory controller, aperipheral bus, a local bus, and any combinations thereof, using any ofa variety of bus architectures.

Still referring to FIG. 12 , processor 1204 may include any suitableprocessor, such as without limitation a processor incorporating logicalcircuitry for performing arithmetic and logical operations, such as anarithmetic and logic unit (ALU), which may be regulated with a statemachine and directed by operational inputs from memory and/or sensors;processor 1204 may be organized according to Von Neumann and/or Harvardarchitecture as a non-limiting example. Processor 1204 may include,incorporate, and/or be incorporated in, without limitation, amicrocontroller, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), FieldProgrammable Gate Array (FPGA), Complex Programmable Logic Device(CPLD), Graphical Processing Unit (GPU), general purpose GPU, TensorProcessing Unit (TPU), analog or mixed signal processor, TrustedPlatform Module (TPM), a floating-point unit (FPU), and/or system on achip (SoC).

Still referring to FIG. 12 , memory 1208 may include various components(e.g., machine-readable media) including, but not limited to, arandom-access memory component, a read only component, and anycombinations thereof. In one example, a basic input/output system 1216(BIOS), including basic routines that help to transfer informationbetween elements within computer system 1200, such as during start-up,may be stored in memory 1208. Memory 1208 may also include (e.g., storedon one or more machine-readable media) instructions (e.g., software)1220 embodying any one or more of the aspects and/or methodologies ofthe present disclosure. In another example, memory 1208 may furtherinclude any number of program modules including, but not limited to, anoperating system, one or more application programs, other programmodules, program data, and any combinations thereof.

Still referring to FIG. 12 , computer system 1200 may also include astorage device 1224. Examples of a storage device (e.g., storage device1224) include, but are not limited to, a hard disk drive, a magneticdisk drive, an optical disc drive in combination with an optical medium,a solid-state memory device, and any combinations thereof. Storagedevice 1224 may be connected to bus 1212 by an appropriate interface(not shown). Example interfaces include, but are not limited to, SCSI,advanced technology attachment (ATA), serial ATA, universal serial bus(USB), IEEE 1394 (FIREWIRE), and any combinations thereof. In oneexample, storage device 1224 (or one or more components thereof) may beremovably interfaced with computer system 1200 (e.g., via an externalport connector (not shown)). Particularly, storage device 1224 and anassociated machine-readable medium 1228 may provide nonvolatile and/orvolatile storage of machine-readable instructions, data structures,program modules, and/or other data for computer system 1200. In oneexample, software 1220 may reside, completely or partially, withinmachine-readable medium 1228. In another example, software 1220 mayreside, completely or partially, within processor 1204.

Still referring to FIG. 12 , computer system 1200 may also include aninput device 1232. In one example, a user of computer system 1200 mayenter commands and/or other information into computer system 1200 viainput device 1232. Examples of an input device 1232 include, but are notlimited to, an alpha-numeric input device (e.g., a keyboard), a pointingdevice, a joystick, a gamepad, an audio input device (e.g., amicrophone, a voice response system, etc.), a cursor control device(e.g., a mouse), a touchpad, an optical scanner, a video capture device(e.g., a still camera, a video camera), a touchscreen, and anycombinations thereof. Input device 1232 may be interfaced to bus 1212via any of a variety of interfaces (not shown) including, but notlimited to, a serial interface, a parallel interface, a game port, a USBinterface, a FIREWIRE interface, a direct interface to bus 1212, and anycombinations thereof. Input device 1232 may include a touch screeninterface that may be a part of or separate from display 1236, discussedfurther below. Input device 1232 may be utilized as a user selectiondevice for selecting one or more graphical representations in agraphical interface as described above.

Still referring to FIG. 12 , a user may also input commands and/or otherinformation to computer system 1200 via storage device 1224 (e.g., aremovable disk drive, a flash drive, etc.) and/or network interfacedevice 1240. A network interface device, such as network interfacedevice 1240, may be utilized for connecting computer system 1200 to oneor more of a variety of networks, such as network 1244, and one or moreremote devices 1248 connected thereto. Examples of a network interfacedevice include, but are not limited to, a network interface card (e.g.,a mobile network interface card, a LAN card), a modem, and anycombination thereof. Examples of a network include, but are not limitedto, a wide area network (e.g., the Internet, an enterprise network), alocal area network (e.g., a network associated with an office, abuilding, a campus or other relatively small geographic space), atelephone network, a data network associated with a telephone/voiceprovider (e.g., a mobile communications provider data and/or voicenetwork), a direct connection between two computing devices, and anycombinations thereof. A network, such as network 1244, may employ awired and/or a wireless mode of communication. In general, any networktopology may be used. Information (e.g., data, software 1220, etc.) maybe communicated to and/or from computer system 1200 via networkinterface device 1240.

Still referring to FIG. 12 , computer system 1200 may further include avideo display adapter 1252 for communicating a displayable image to adisplay device, such as display device 1236. Examples of a displaydevice include, but are not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD),a cathode ray tube (CRT), a plasma display, a light emitting diode (LED)display, and any combinations thereof. Display adapter 1252 and displaydevice 1236 may be utilized in combination with processor 1204 toprovide graphical representations of aspects of the present disclosure.In addition to a display device, computer system 1200 may include one ormore other peripheral output devices including, but not limited to, anaudio speaker, a printer, and any combinations thereof. Such peripheraloutput devices may be connected to bus 1212 via a peripheral interface1256. Examples of a peripheral interface include, but are not limitedto, a serial port, a USB connection, a FIREWIRE connection, a parallelconnection, and any combinations thereof.

The foregoing has been a detailed description of illustrativeembodiments of the invention. Various modifications and additions can bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.Features of each of the various embodiments described above may becombined with features of other described embodiments as appropriate inorder to provide a multiplicity of feature combinations in associatednew embodiments. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a number ofseparate embodiments, what has been described herein is merelyillustrative of the application of the principles of the presentinvention. Additionally, although particular methods herein may beillustrated and/or described as being performed in a specific order, theordering is highly variable within ordinary skill to achieve methods,systems, and software according to the present disclosure. Accordingly,this description is meant to be taken only by way of example, and not tootherwise limit the scope of this invention.

Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed above and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the artthat various changes, omissions and additions may be made to that whichis specifically disclosed herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention.

1. A connector for charging an electric vehicle, comprising: a couplingmechanism, wherein the coupling mechanism is configured to mate with anelectric vehicle port of the electric vehicle, wherein the couplingmechanism comprises a fastener for removable attachment with theelectric vehicle port; at least a direct current conductor, wherein theat least a direct current conductor is configured to supply a directcurrent to the electric vehicle; a power supply circuit, wherein thepower supply circuit is configured to regulate the direct currentsupplied to at least a battery of the electric vehicle as a function ofa power threshold, wherein the power supply circuit includes a powersource including at least a charging battery; and a communicationcontroller coupled to the power supply circuit, wherein thecommunication controller is configured to terminate the direct currentsupply to the electric vehicle as a function of a failed charge event,wherein the failed charge event is based on a battery sensor signalreceived by the communication controller from the electric vehicleindicating detection of a cell failure gas emission from at least abattery cell of the electric vehicle.
 2. The connector of claim 1,wherein the electric vehicle includes an electric aircraft.
 3. Theconnector of claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism includes a lockingfunction.
 4. The connector of claim 1, wherein the connector furthercomprises at least an alternating current conductor, wherein the atleast an alternating current conductor is configured to conduct analternating current.
 5. The connector of claim 1, wherein the connectorfurther comprises at least a ground conductor, wherein the at least aground conductor is configured to conduct a ground.
 6. The connector ofclaim 1, wherein the connector is configured to charge the electricvehicle as a function of the communication controller.
 7. (canceled) 8.The connector of claim 1, wherein a failed charge event includes a poweroverload of the power supply circuit.
 9. The connector of claim 1,wherein the communication controller is further configured to terminatecommunication with the electric vehicle as a function of a failed chargeevent.
 10. The connector of claim 1, wherein the power supply circuit isconfigured to receive the power threshold from the electric vehicle. 11.A method of charging an electric vehicle, comprising: mating a couplingmechanism of a connector with an electric vehicle port of the electricvehicle, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a fastener forremovable attachment with the electric vehicle port; supplying, by atleast a direct current conductor of the connector, a direct current tothe electric vehicle; regulating, by a power supply circuit of theconnector, the direct current supplied to at least a battery of theelectric vehicle as a function of a power threshold, wherein the powersupply circuit includes a power source including at least a chargingbattery; and terminating, by a communication controller of the connectorcoupled to the power supply circuit, the direct current supply to theelectric vehicle as a function of a failed charge event, wherein thefailed charge event is based on a battery sensor signal received by thecommunication controller from the electric vehicle indicating detectionof a cell failure gas emission from at least a battery cell of theelectric vehicle.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the electricvehicle includes an electric aircraft.
 13. The method of claim 11,wherein the coupling mechanism includes a locking function.
 14. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the connector further comprises at least analternating current conductor, wherein the at least an alternatingcurrent conductor is configured to conduct an alternating current. 15.The method of claim 11, wherein the connector further comprises at leasta ground conductor, wherein the at least a ground conductor isconfigured to conduct a ground.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein theconnector is configured to charge the electric vehicle as a function ofthe communication controller.
 17. (canceled)
 18. The method of claim 11,wherein a failed charge event includes a power overload of the powersupply circuit.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the communicationcontroller is further configured to terminate communication with theelectric vehicle as a function of a failed charge event.
 20. The methodof claim 11, wherein the power supply circuit is configured to receivethe power threshold from the electric vehicle.
 21. The system of claim1, wherein the battery sensor signal further indicates detection of aswell of a battery cell of the at least a battery cell of the electricvehicle.
 22. (canceled)
 23. The system of claim 1, wherein the powersource includes a solar inverter, and wherein energy generated by thesolar inverter is stored in the at least a charging battery of the powersource.